NAGA│Saint Francis Church

San Francisco Church

San Francisco Church is one of the oldest churches in Bicol and the oldest in Naga City. I noticed that it is surrounded by so many establishments like mall, market, hotel, restaurants and park,  "Naga Park".

In front left side of the church, you'll see the Statue of Saint Francis then just beside of it, a tablet of church's history is situated. Now, upon entering we'll see its beautiful interior.

Upon entering, you'll see how beautiful the church is.

See their ceiling? I so much love it! t's like there's a pool of water above the Altar. It adds to the solemnity of the place. So unique.

July 30,2011

HAPPY GALA!

---felicitousgalaera :)

NAGA│Metropolitan Naga Cathedral

Facade of Metropolitan Naga Cathedral

This is our first historical spot to visit in Naga City, 'Metro Naga'. Naga Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist is one of the oldest cathedrals in the Philippines built in 1595 and was established during Nueva Caceres Diocese. The church gone so many nature challenges and able to restore for three times. The present structure was destroyed by fire in 1768 and was restored by 1843. Then it was damaged by a typhoon in 1856 and by an earthquake in 1887.

Every month of September, the Feast of  Peñafrancia, the largest and most famous feast in Bicol Region is celebrated. Our Lady of Peñafrancia Image is transferred inside the Cathedral coming from the Basilica Minore . This process is known for “Traslacion”. Countless devotees are present to the nine-day novena as a celebration of Virgin Mary’s annual festivities. 

This is the pavilion in front of the Cathedral. It serves as shelter for the image of the Our Lady of Penafrancia after the major processions: Traslacion (First Friday of September along the streets of Naga City from the Basilica to the Cathedral) and the Fluvial procession (8th day of the devotion, from the Cathedral to Basilica through the Bicol River).

The Holy Rosary Minor Seminary just beside the Cathedral.

Sad to say, I wasn't able to take plenty of pictures inside because of wedding mass going on, see that cute bridal car on my left? It was like everybody's looking at me  and wanted to ask "who are you?  why you're in shorts?" haha. 
July 30,2011


HAPPY GALA!
---felicitousgalara :)

NAGA│Peñafrancia Basilica: House of Ina

Facade of Peñafrancia Basilica 
Peñafrancia Basilica is one of the oldest church in Naga City, Bicol which houses an image of the virgin Mary that was sculpted in 1710. It was made by Miguel de Cobarrubias who moved to the Philippines from Spain with his family and believed that the virgin Mary had helped him numerous times in his life. The image was housed in a small chapel until the Basilica Minore was built constructed

The Altar

According to our tour guide, this altar is already renovated/changed and just finished  last February 2011. So basically it's not the original altar like before. Upon looking it and INA's image, I noticed that there are hands moving her manteau. I'll tell you later why.



The Ceiling

The Church's facade window (Left) and other window designs

After seeing the beautiful altar of basilica and Our Lady of Peñafrancia image, Can we touch her? In able to touch INA, Our Lady of Peñafrancia, we have to pass through the altar and go to the staircase behind.Then after you'll see a small opening on your left.

You'll see this beautiful figure once you peep into the hole, moreover, you can touch this gold plated stand and her miraculous pure gold mantaeau (from the original image). Our tour guide said that it wasn't the original, it's just a replica because several years ago, some people stole it and luckily found because of its ivory face and hand and gold mantaeu (worn in the replica). Now, the original one is kept in secret place inside the Basilica however it is shown during the feast of Our Lady of Penafrancia.

Outside the Basilica, you will see the dome. Here, the mass is celebrated during Our Lady of Penafrancia feast.

I was amazed by the ceiling design. I think this describes how Our Lady of Peñafrancia influence so many people and how they celebrate it.

Note: This visit was last July 30, 2011. Hope you'll see this great home of INA too.

HAPPY GALA!
---felicitousgalaera :)