After paying a fast go to to Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery, we headed subsequent to San Bartolome Apostol Parish or just often called the Nagcarlan Church. The province of Laguna is the house of a few of the most lovely and well-preserved outdated church buildings within the nation and the church of Nagcarlan is certainly considered one of them. When Manila was already conquered by the Spaniards in 1571, they determined to increase their territory by going to all its surrounding provinces to transform extra locals into Christians. The Franciscan friars finally began the conversion within the province of Laguna.
Nagcarlan has an fascinating story behind its title. In accordance with legend, the title was derived from a lady named Ana Kalang (Ana Panalangin) who was additionally known as Nanang Clara. She was a rich native girl who was identified for her golden salakot and cane which she all the time carried when strolling round city. She was well-respected by the townsfolk not only for her wealth but in addition for the assistance she extends to these in want. Sooner or later, a Spaniard got here to her home and upon searching of the window, he noticed branches swaying and hitting each other, and so he requested what was occurring. Ana Kalang answered and mentioned “nagkakalang sila”. The phrase was repeatedly mispronounced by the Spaniards till it turned Nagcarlan.
Earlier than the arrival of the Spaniards, Nagcarlan was only a small barangay headed by Datu Gat Lakilaw. It was quickly colonized by the Spaniards in 1571 led by Captain Juan de Salcedo (grandson of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi). The conversion of the natives to Christianity started shortly after the arrival of the primary group of Franciscans in 1578. This mission was led by Padre Juan De Plasencia (one of many first Franciscan friars who arrived within the nation and the writer behind the Doctrina Christiana) and Padre Diego Oropesa. In 1583, the city, was formalized by the Franciscan missionary Padre Tomas de Miranda, the Spanish priest who held the excellence of getting introduced from Spain the primary seed of wheat that ever sowed within the Philippine soil.
A replica of Doctrina Christiana displayed in Nationwide Museum of Anthropology)
The primary church of Nagcarlan was constructed with mild supplies and was devoted below the patronage of Saint Bartholomew the Apostle. A couple of and a half century later, the second stone church was constructed below the time period of Padre Cristobal Torres in 1752. In 1845, the city started to have some extra enhancements below the course of Fr. Vicente Velloc who was additionally the identical priest behind the development of the Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery. This reconstruction used adobe bricks and elaborately designed ceramic tiles which might nonetheless be seen as we speak.
The Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery
Not like the well-known church of Liliw that comes with full red-bricked facade, Nagcarlan church options an alternating sample of darkish stone and adobe pink bricks. It comes with a number of niches with iron-grills, capiz, and stained-glass home windows depicting photos of Our Girl of Guadalupe, San Diego Alcala, and San Bartolome Apostol. You’ll additionally discover a small area of interest on its pediment that enshrines an outdated statue of Saint Bartholomew.
Statue of San Bartolome Apostol
Hole Cross on high of the church’s pediment
Nagcarlan Church Bell tower
Adjoining to the church is a four-story excessive bell tower that was constructed in 1781 throughout the time period of Padre Fernando de la Puebla. As everyone knows, the church of Nagcarlan and its bell tower turned extra widespread after it was featured in 1974 film “Kampanerang Kuba” starring Vilma Santos and its television sequence remake in 2005 starring Anne Curtis.
Elaborately designed ceramic flooring of Nagcarlan Church
The church welcomes you to an equally gorgeous inside. The very first thing you’ll discover is the gorgeous and intricately detailed ceramic tile flooring.
Central nave and altar
The facet of the church options a number of niches housing numerous saints and an vintage pulpit.
Vintage Pulpit of the church
Intricate particulars of the pulpit
It includes a golden retablo mayor with bas reliefs depicting the life and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The retablo mayor of Nagcarlan Church
The decrease area of interest includes a bas aid depicting the Calvary
Bas reliefs depicting the Pentecost, the resurrection, and the Immaculate coronary heart of Mary
One other set of bas reliefs on the primary altar depicting the Triumphant entry of Jesus in Nazareth, the Sacred Coronary heart of Jesus, and the Nativity
The Ascension of Christ
One of many facet altars that enshrines the picture of Saint Bartholomew the Apostle, the city’s patron saint
The opposite facet altar enshrines the picture of the city’s secondary patron, San Diego de Alcala
The three lovely altars of Nagcarlan Church
You may also discover an vintage bas aid that depicts the interpretation of heaven, purgatory and hell. You may also discover work of the identical interpretation in different church buildings in Laguna. Most notably the church of Paete (together with outdated work of San Cristobal) and Pakil Church (Diocesan Shrine of Our Girl of Turumba)
Santo Cristo
Picture of San Diego de Alcala close to the primary entrance
Picture of San Bartolome Apostol close to the primary entrance
Issues You Ought to Know in regards to the San Bartolome Apostol Parish in Nagcarlan, Laguna
- The primary church was based in 1578 and was formally declared in 1583
- The city is celebrating its feast day each August 24 (Feast day of Saint Bartholomew)
- In addition they have a 5-day feast referred to as Ana Kalang Pageant the place they carry out the favored Kalang-kalang dance
- For mass schedule and actions, be at liberty to go to their FB Web page : Parokya Ni San Bartolome Apostol
This publish is a part of my Laguna Pilgrimage sequence 2022: Be at liberty to examine the remainder of my entries right here:
Additionally be at liberty to go to my articles about these Laguna church buildings
Locations to go to in Laguna
Information References: OFM Archives Philippines / Manner Again Machine / WikiMedia / Parokya ni San Bartolome Apostol
