METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL OF DAGUPAN: THE OLD AND THE NEW
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| facade of the old Metropolitan Cathedral of Dagupan |
We passed by an alley and Mica
pointed to the group the remnants of one of the known revolving restaurants in
the Philippines which existed in the 1980s.
We were in the market place of Dagupan City situated at Zamora Street. A busy and crowded one joined by jeepneys as well.
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| a view of the once revolving restaurant of Dagupan and the current market place |
Adjacent to the market is the old cathedral
of Dagupan – Sanctuario de San Juan Evangelista. Fortunately, the caretaker passed by as we
get near the door of the church and so we requested to enter.
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| the main altar |
It seemed like a secret haven as
soon as the door was opened and we entered into a different dimension of a
tranquil world in complete contrast with the outside scenario.
The church stands witness to the
rich cultural heritage and history of our country. This old church in Zamora
Street was destroyed by a killer earthquake on the 16th of July 1990
and has since been renovated. Known as
the Metropolitan Cathedral of Dagupan City, it is the Episcopal seat of the Roman
Catholic Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan, Philippines.
The bricked walls and the Stations
of the Cross images that surround the church complemented with antique woods
and elegant chandeliers composed the grandeur of the said church. After the mandatory photo session, we exited
on another street – Burgos Street- and were greeted by another church.
“Are they that religious to
maintain two churches?” I said to
myself. After a few readings and posed
queries, and so I’ve learned that on the 27th of December 2010, the
Philippine Papal nuncio led the
historic transfer of the Lingayen-Dagupan Metropolitan Cathedral from Zamora
Street to nearby Burgos Street. Thus, regular masses are currently held on the
newly built church at Burgos Street, though special occasions demand the
holding of an event at the old church.
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| facade of the modern cathedral |
But whatever their reasons are for
maintaining two churches, the fact remains that the people of Dagupan
undoubtedly professes a deep faith and devotion to the Roman Catholic Church.
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