Pictures and Narration by Dr. Herbert unless indicated.
Today is Good Friday. may I once again invite you to visit our parish church where I grew up. This is the Parish Church of St. John the Baptist in Tabaco City, also the first vicariate of the Diocese of Legazpi. "Built in the 19th century by the secular clergy; the bell tower features rocaille elements dated from an earlier time. The church has an unusual floor plan, with compartments that are inexplicable as of now. The stones on the walls bear masons’ marks, rarely seen elsewhere in this country."
[Reinerio Alba. "Restoration of 26 Philippine Churches." NCCA. http://www.ncca.gov.ph/about_cultarts/articles.php?artcl_Id=17 ]
The front Facade. The Stained Glass Window depicts the Mystical Eye to symbolize the all knowing quality of God. Also inscribed in the window is the Greek Letter for Alpha and Omega, to symbolize that God is eternal.
The Bell Tower is detached from the body of the Church. It has several windows that accommodates lesser bells aside from the major Bell at the center of the Tower. The bells of this tower has served many purpose in the past and even now. Although at present we seldom hear these bells. Primary bells are blessed for the purpose of calling the faithful to prayer.
The Nave of the Church. The Nave of the Church represents the body of Christ. Catholic Churches are traditionally built in the shape of the Cross, the symbol of Man's redemption.
The Baptismal Font located in a side chapel near the entrance. Traditionally baptismal fonts are situated near the entrance to dramatize the fact that Baptism is the entrance to the Church, it is the sacrament of initiation.
Side View of the Facade as seen from the left.
The Confessional.
The Sanctuary where located are the Tabernacle and the Main Altar.
The Side Altar on the right, where the Image of St. John the Baptist is located. The Old Altar has not been demolished (still good for Tridentine Low Mass, and even ad orientem Novus Ordo)
The Side Altar on the Left, with the image of Our Lady of Salvation, patroness of the Diocese of Legazpi.
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