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Bulacan is thought for its wealthy historical past and cultural heritage, notably in relation to church buildings. The province is dotted with quite a few stunning church buildings that mirror the Spanish colonial affect, architectural range, and deep spiritual roots of the Filipino folks. We first went to Bulacan for a pilgrimage in 2021 once I witnessed the historic Barasoain Church for the primary time. Some cities, nevertheless, have been nonetheless implementing restrictions because of Covid-19 that point, so exploring the province was fairly a problem.
Final yr, we determined to revisit Bulacan for an additional pilgrimage. This time, nevertheless, we lastly have an itinerary to comply with, concentrating on some stunning and historic church buildings within the province. The primary church on our listing might be one of many well-known church buildings in Bulacan. Devoted underneath the patronage of San Pascual Baylon and Nuestra Señora Inmaculada Concepcion de Salambao, Obando Church might be finest recognized for its annual fertility rites – the “Sayaw sa Obando” (Obando Dance).
The city of Obando was established on 1753 and was named after Don Jose Francisco Solis de Obando, the Governor-Basic at the moment. Previous to that, Obando was simply a part of Meycauayan and was previously often known as Catangalan (now Barangay Catanghalan). The well-known ritual dance, nevertheless, is already an outdated apply by the early Filipino settlers within the space. The dance was known as the “Kasilonawan” dance which is widely known via countless consuming, singing and dancing.
Meycauayan was previously comprised of three villages; the Catanghalan (now Obando), Meycauayan, and Polo (now Valenzuela). Polo, nevertheless, was separated from Meycauayan in 1623 and the Franciscans constructed a brand new church devoted to San Diego de Alcala. The Franciscans additionally established a chapel in Catangalan the place they enshrined a picture of St. Claire, making Santa Clara the primary patron of Obando.
From rites being supplied to deities, the Franciscans managed to draw the native Filipinos to go underneath the umbrella of Christianity by instructing them catechism and changing their outdated beliefs with devotions to the Christian saints, notably to Saint Claire. They made folks imagine that Saint Claire is the patron saint for dancing with the intention to bear a toddler to draw extra Filipinos.
On the flip of the 18th century, a few years after the institution of the city of Obando, the picture of St. Paschal of Baylon was added within the church altar. Not like Saint Claire, Saint Paschal is certainly thought-about the patron saint of dancing for fertility and many, making him appropriate because the city’s main patron saint. To not point out a large number of miracles attributed to the saint ever because it was enshrined to the parish. Along with that, there are additionally accounts saying that Saint Paschal was newly canonized saint at the moment and the Franciscans are very keen to advertise the devotion to him.
After a couple of years, the nineteenth of June, 1763, one other patron saint was added within the church of Obando. Two fishermen, Juan and Julian de la Cruz unexpectedly caught the picture of the Immaculate Conception of their fishnet. Within the sudden sequences of the occasions, the third patron saint, the Immaculate Conception, often known as the Our Woman of Salambao, can be applicable to be a patron saint for the childless. The Our Woman of Salambao, since then, additionally grew to become the patron saint of the fishermen of Obando.
Typically, Obando has three patron saints; Saint Claire, Saint Paschal, and Our woman of Salambao.
Structure-wise, Obando Church comes with a easy façade. The façade consists of home windows and flat columns. The pediment comes with a distinct segment that enshrines the picture of Saint Paschal. It has two small spherical home windows on the facet.
The statue of Saint Paschal on the middle area of interest of the façade
Upclose shot of the statue of San Pascual
The bellfry
The church can be connected to a 5-story excessive octagonal belfry.
Adjoining to the construction is the newly-opened “Museo de la Parroquia” that brings collectively the Obando church’s collections of historic images of the “Sayaw sa Obando” and vestments of Our Woman of Salambao.
A marker indicating the church’s declaration as a Nationwide Shrine
In 2021, San Pascual Baylon Parish was elevated right into a Nationwide Shrine Nuestra Señora Inmaculada Concepcion de Salambao. The solemn declaration occurred in March of 2022.
A historic marker in entrance of the Obando Church
The inside of the church is equally mesmerizing. It has laminated picket ceiling and patterned-tile flooring. The partitions, alternatively are complemented with silver and gold accents.
The sanctuary additionally options an enormous arc with work depicting totally different biblical photographs
You can even spot an intricately embellished pulpit close by
The altar is comprised of three retablos. The 2 facet retablos enshrines the tabernacle of the Blessed Sacrament and the picture of San Lorenzo Ruiz.
The principle retablo enshrines the church’s three patron saints, a few Franciscan saints, and a Crucified Christ.
Santo Domingo de Guzman
San Francisco de Assisi
Santa Clara de Assisi
San Pascual Baylon
Our Woman of Salambao
Nearer shot of Our Woman of Salambao
One other picture of Santo Domingo de Guzman
Some gold decorations within the altar
One other picture of Santa Clara
Carved primary door of Obando Church
Distinctive chandeliers of Obando Church
Souvenirs from Obando Church
Over the centuries, the Obando Church has confronted the challenges of time and pure disasters. Regardless of these adversities, the church has been meticulously restored and preserved, due to the dedication of the area people and heritage conservation efforts.
The Obando Church’s wealthy historical past, architectural splendor, and distinctive fertility rites make it a charming vacation spot for each pilgrims and vacationers. Its enduring presence serves as a bridge between the previous and the current, connecting generations and cultures via religion, custom, and shared celebrations. As guests step via its doorways, they’re greeted not solely by the bodily fantastic thing about the church but in addition by the intangible sense of spirituality and cultural heritage that emanates from its partitions.
This publish is a part of my Bulacan Pilgrimage 2022 collection. Be happy to revisit my earlier articles
You may also need to go to my articles about different church buildings in Bulacan
Different locations to go to in Bulacan
References: Obando.gov.ph / The Sacred Photographs, Patronages, and Rituals of Obando Church: A Historic Investigation / CBCP Information /
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