The Shrine and altar of Christ the King, Undergoing Renovation,
the painter's canopy overshadows the full view of the reredos
It’s heartening to see the Patio of our Great Church undergoing refurbishing. St. John the Baptist Parish Church is the Church of my childhood. I call it “church of my childhood” because this is the church where I was raised as a child. This is where my great grandparents, grandparents and my parents were baptized, confirmed, married, and some where requiem masses were said. This is also the church where I received my baptism and confirmation. I missed so many aspects and artifacts of this church. The high altar is gone, the communion rail is gone too, the antique statues are no longer displayed but someway somehow the faith has survived. But I am glad that our current pastor has undertaken this project of refurbishing the patio. Patios are important because this is where processions and Easter liturgies are performed. On November 23, 2008 at 4:00 p.m., that is tomorrow, even the if the refurbishing has not been completed our Pastor Monsignor Ramon Trongqued has announced that there will be a Eucharistic procession and an outdoor Mass at 4:00 p.m.. This Church and Patio reminds me of the many devotions we have undertaken as children. The via crucis, the processions in honor of the saints, the Easter dawn celebrations. After some years of neglect, the patio is now rehabilitated. Once again it will be a testament to the faith of the people of this City and it will be a sign to beckon the unbeliever to seek Christ, learn from Him and take His yoke. For His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
The Old Building of the Catholic Central School, just beside the Church
As a student I was a voracious reader. This is the Library of the Catholic Central School, now St. Louise de Marrilac School operated by the Daughters of Charity [of St. Vincent de Paul]. I fondly remember this old but beautiful building. I use to frequent this library during my free time. It was here where I found copies of the Baltimore Catechism. Even if these were not our textbooks (that was in the early 80s when the religious educators were experimenting with the so called “new approaches” in teaching Catechism, that the Baltimore catechism were considered obsolete by some),being a voracious reader, I devoured these books. In the quietness and ambiance of the library, I learned the sound and rudiments of the faith. I thank our kind librarian for being so nice to me and gave me liberty to read and borrow those books.
The Church and Belfry The Patio of Christ the King, Parish of St. John the Baptist, Tabaco City. This Baroque stone Church was built by the Secular Clergy more than a century ago. This structure was recognized by the National Commission on the Culture and the Arts as one of the 25 Baroque Churches in the Philippines considered to be a national treasure. Its Spanish-Mexican Architecture has unique markings of masons who built this stone-lime church.
Christ the King Patio, the reredos and the Church seen in the background
The Reredo - Altar
A closer look at the out door altar
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