0 Likes
The Naga Metropolitan Cathedral, also known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, stands as a testament to the rich religious heritage of Naga City, Philippines. Its origins can be traced back to the Spanish colonial era, with the original cathedral constructed in the 16th century. Throughout its history, the cathedral has undergone several transformations, reflecting the architectural trends and challenges of its time.
One significant date in its history is the year 1595 when the Archdiocese of Cáceres was established, with the cathedral serving as its seat. Over the centuries, the cathedral has weathered numerous natural disasters, including earthquakes and fires, leading to periods of destruction and reconstruction. Despite these challenges, it has remained a steadfast symbol of faith and resilience for the Catholic faithful in the Bicol Region.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the cathedral underwent a significant renovation, adopting the Neo-Gothic architectural style that defines its current appearance. This architectural transformation marked a new chapter in the cathedral's history, blending modern design elements with its historic roots. Today, the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral continues to play a vital role in the religious and cultural life of the community. It hosts regular religious services, including Masses and sacraments, while also serving as the focal point for major religious events such as the annual feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. This event, celebrated since the 18th century, attracts millions of pilgrims to Naga City, highlighting the cathedral's enduring significance in Philippine Catholicism.
Despite its age, the cathedral remains well-preserved, thanks to ongoing maintenance efforts by the Archdiocese of Cáceres. Restoration projects periodically undertaken ensure that the cathedral retains its historical charm and structural integrity for future generations to appreciate.
In summary, the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral stands as a timeless symbol of faith, history, and community spirit, embodying the enduring legacy of Catholicism in the Philippines.
...
The Philippines are an archipelago of more than seven thousand islands off the southeast coast of Asia. Only half of these islands have been named and roughly one thousand are inhabited. Look at how beautiful they are! People first arrived here from the mainland around 25,000 B.C. by crossing a land bridge which existed at the time.The name comes from Ferdinand Magellan of Portugal, who explored the Philippines in 1521. He claimed them in service of Spain, naming them after Prince Philip. Spain controlled the Philippines for the next 350 years until the Philippine Revolution of 1896.Here's a picture of Fort Santiago, where the national hero Jose Rizal was imprisoned prior to his execution. He was a poet and novelist who supported peaceful reform, rather than violent revolution, against the Spanish government.This is one of poems in which he describes the creation of the world, as a gift to his mother:"Say they that tell of the world, the first dawn of the sun, the first kiss that his bosom inflamed, when thousands of beings surged out of nothing, and peopled the depths, and to the heights mounted, to wherever his fecund kiss was implanted"Violent revolution broke out anyway and the Philippines changed hands from Spanish, to American, to Japanese control over the next fifty years. Following World War Two they finally became an independent republic.Back to the beautiful ocean! You can dream about the Cafe Del Mar resort next time you find your screen saver kicking in when you're still sitting at the desk staring blankly. There's a series of DJ mixes with this title but I don't know if it refers to the same place. I would not be surprised.Annnnd to really get you buying your plane tickets...the sunset over Borocay White Beach!Text by Steve Smith.
