Gaya ng nakagawian, umuwi kami kahapon, a-23 ng Enero. Pista sa aming baryo. Kumustahan, simbahan, kodakan, kainan, inuman... marami-rami ding tao. Nagdatingan ang mga pinsan, kumustahan, kodakan, kainan, inuman, nagplano na naman ang lahi ni Adan. Sa gitna ng kapistahan, napagkasunduan, summer outing gagawin na sa mahal na araw. Ang kapatid kong si Cheng ang hahanap ng lugar. Excited na lahat, kahit Enero pa lang
Ang nakakatuwa sa pistang nagdaan ay ang munting sikretong aking natuklasan. Habang kumokodak sa aming barangay, may napansing ikinagulat, ikinagalak at kahit may agam-agam. Sa tagal na sa baryo, ngayon lang nalaman, meron palang saksi sa mga kaganapan. Sa paglipas ng panahon, sa pag agos ng ilog, sa pag-kiskis ng palay, sa pagbilad ng bihon, sa pag-para ng Baliwag, at pagtawid sa Paombong. Dati'ng may boses, ngayo'y piping tagamasid sa pagsikat at pag lubog ng araw. At ng kinuhanan ng isang larawan, dalangin kong sana'y pahalagahan. Wag sanang mahulog sa kamay ng hunghang.Parito...
Naisin mang maghanap ay wala nang makita, ng maka-aala-ala sa totoong istorya. Walang nasusulat, walang naitala, walang nakapag-salin sa kasaysayan nya. Taon-taon man ang Pista, Misa, Prusisyon at Pagoda... Alam nyo bang 148 na ang aming parokya, Isang munting kampana, basag, at pipi na, syang tanging saksi, liban dyan at wala na."The image can not be described separated from its dwelling, the Cathedral-Minor Basilica of Malolos. With the endless throng of devotees who flock for novena and masses, this is the story of this historical and beautiful edifice. The Augustinian missionaries arrived at barrio Canalate in 1580. From a small chapel, a bigger one was built which was recognized in the records of the Augustinian chapter of 1580. Placed under the mantle of the Immaculate Conception, Malolos was made a parish in 1673 with Fr. Francisco Lopez as its curate. Built initially of light materials in 1591, the church and convent were enlarged by Fr. Roque Barrionuevo in 1691. In 1734, the church was built with stronger materials by Fr. Fernando Sanchez. Fr. Juan Meseguer finished this project in 1740 and Fr. Jose de Vivar applied the finishing touches in 1753. However, both the church and the convent were destroyed by fire in 1813. The construction of the present church begun in 1819 with Fr. Melchor Fernandez. This prolific builder was also responsible for the addition of arches to the convent; the fortification of the belfry ( so as to accommodate the installation of a clock); and the construction of the bridge connecting Malolos with Barasoin. However, the buildings were destroyed by a strong earthquake in 1863. Fr. Ezekiel Merino undertook the reconstruction of the collapsed structures which lasted until 1872. Another severe earthquake took place in 1880 which destroyed the convent. Fr. Juan Tombo began the restoration of the convent in 1883. It was completed in 1884 by Fr. Felipe Garcia." - Wikipedia
Wow! I can almost feel your excitement as you described your encounter with the secret witness :) you should research some more, and celebrate the 150th of your parish.
ReplyDeletea bit frustrating. there is very little written about the early days of our parish on the web, except mentions that the Augustinians arrived in Malolos through our barrio and that a small chapel was built. this was in 1580. i wonder if the Augustinians have a record of it... and i wonder if they have it in Pilipino.
ReplyDeletemight have to brush up in my spanol!