By: Ana-Liza S. Macatangay
LIBMANAN, Camarines Sur, Feb. 17 (PIA)--- Century-old relics, artifacts and images are secured and carefully nestled at this town’s Museo Diocesano De Libmanan inside the Archdiocese’s compound here. These were traces of history and a rich collection of vestiges that will remind Bicolanos of how they were molded by their faith hundreds of years back.
The museum opened only last year but has already collected numerous relics from its 24 parishes ranging from hundred- year old church bells, communion plates, candle holders, crucifix, prayer booklets, religious statues and sculptures, and other religious items used during prehistoric mass.
Church bells are significant parcel of mankind’s religious history. Before the advent of modern communication, small communities, especially in far-flung areas and provincial outskirts, have considered church bells as the common way to call the community together for basically all purposes. The ringing of these bells is also a sign for worshippers to attend the mass.
The old silver tabernacle of St. James the Great Parish Church is also enshrined at the museum. The tabernacle which dates back to 16th century never tarnished despite the passage of time and still is capable of a high polish. The said relic is made of silver, smelted from lead ore.
Also found inside the edifice is the baptismal font believed to have existed centuries ago. Rev. Fr. Roland Soliver, Parochial Vicar of the Archdiocese of Libmanan stated that this is one of the museum’s best collections so far since it is believed that this is where the first Filipino Archbishop was baptized.
“This baptismal font is special for the people of Libmanan since this is where our first Bicolano bishop, Archbishop Santiago Caragnan Sancho, D.D who hails from Barangay San Vicente of this town, was christened. His story tells of a famous religious figure. He was appointed Bishop of Nueva Segovia in 1927. This made him the first Archbishop of Nueva Segovia in 1951.”
Libmanan Mayor Marilyn Jimenez said in an interview that these historical artifacts, like the religious items and old edifices are now the focus of their restoration effort.
“Our Tourism Council, Headed by our Executive Assistant, Ruel “Bibby” Jimenez, together with our Tourism Officer Roderick Fabor are now in the process of documenting these old structures. They are tasked to collate data of heritage sites and come up with a comprehensive proposal to be submitted to the National Center for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) for possible assistance”, Jimenez added.
Bibby, who is also the current Municipal Programs and Events Section Chief of this town is aggressively pushing for the establishment of Handiong Expedition River Cruise, a project that will boost the town’s tourism through their historic Handiong River. This includes the development of the river banks, zipline, cable car, and a floating restaurant, among others.
The municipality of Libmanan with its vast area encompassing 75 barangays, is considered as the largest town in the province of Camarines Sur. Until now, it still serves as a mirror of a rich cultural heritage. (LSMacatangay, PIAV/Camarines Sur)
- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/861424168207/religious-relics-find-its-home-at-the-museo-diocesano-de-libmanan#sthash.85sPVHmU.dpuf
LIBMANAN, Camarines Sur, Feb. 17 (PIA)--- Century-old relics, artifacts and images are secured and carefully nestled at this town’s Museo Diocesano De Libmanan inside the Archdiocese’s compound here. These were traces of history and a rich collection of vestiges that will remind Bicolanos of how they were molded by their faith hundreds of years back.
The museum opened only last year but has already collected numerous relics from its 24 parishes ranging from hundred- year old church bells, communion plates, candle holders, crucifix, prayer booklets, religious statues and sculptures, and other religious items used during prehistoric mass.
Church bells are significant parcel of mankind’s religious history. Before the advent of modern communication, small communities, especially in far-flung areas and provincial outskirts, have considered church bells as the common way to call the community together for basically all purposes. The ringing of these bells is also a sign for worshippers to attend the mass.
The old silver tabernacle of St. James the Great Parish Church is also enshrined at the museum. The tabernacle which dates back to 16th century never tarnished despite the passage of time and still is capable of a high polish. The said relic is made of silver, smelted from lead ore.
Also found inside the edifice is the baptismal font believed to have existed centuries ago. Rev. Fr. Roland Soliver, Parochial Vicar of the Archdiocese of Libmanan stated that this is one of the museum’s best collections so far since it is believed that this is where the first Filipino Archbishop was baptized.
“This baptismal font is special for the people of Libmanan since this is where our first Bicolano bishop, Archbishop Santiago Caragnan Sancho, D.D who hails from Barangay San Vicente of this town, was christened. His story tells of a famous religious figure. He was appointed Bishop of Nueva Segovia in 1927. This made him the first Archbishop of Nueva Segovia in 1951.”
Libmanan Mayor Marilyn Jimenez said in an interview that these historical artifacts, like the religious items and old edifices are now the focus of their restoration effort.
“Our Tourism Council, Headed by our Executive Assistant, Ruel “Bibby” Jimenez, together with our Tourism Officer Roderick Fabor are now in the process of documenting these old structures. They are tasked to collate data of heritage sites and come up with a comprehensive proposal to be submitted to the National Center for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) for possible assistance”, Jimenez added.
Bibby, who is also the current Municipal Programs and Events Section Chief of this town is aggressively pushing for the establishment of Handiong Expedition River Cruise, a project that will boost the town’s tourism through their historic Handiong River. This includes the development of the river banks, zipline, cable car, and a floating restaurant, among others.
The municipality of Libmanan with its vast area encompassing 75 barangays, is considered as the largest town in the province of Camarines Sur. Until now, it still serves as a mirror of a rich cultural heritage. (LSMacatangay, PIAV/Camarines Sur)
- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/861424168207/religious-relics-find-its-home-at-the-museo-diocesano-de-libmanan#sthash.85sPVHmU.dpuf
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