Photo By lsalcedo on Flickr
MALOLOS, BULACAN—I visited the Barasoain Church on a Saturday. The sun was at its peak when I arrived. Not allowed to enter because a wedding is being solemnized, I went to the parish office and asked for some information about the church. A kind sacristan gave me some published materials that I read while waiting for the ceremony to end. By just reading the articles, I was astounded at the long history behind the sacred place of worship. If not for its big role in history, the church seemed ordinary, no different from other old churches around the archipelago.
Usually visited by tourist and apprentices of Philippine history, the Barasoain Church’s name came from baras ng suwail that means dungeon of the defiant. Said to be a replica of a church in Navarra, Spain, the church stands on an imposing courtyard. Originally built in 1630, the church is declared a national shrine because of the historical occurrences that took place in its hallowed grounds. It is famous for its magnificent frescos or wall paintings on its dome and ceilings and for its wide array of artifacts and cultural and historical treasures. With modern technology, it showcases a light and sound museum under the management of the National Historical Institute.
At the façade of the Barasoain Church, a bronze marker indicates that the original church was constructed by Rev Fr Francisco Roro, but was destroyed by fire in 1884 during the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The following year, Rev Fr Juan Giron managed the construction of a new church and a new convent. Rev Fr Miguel Vera and Rev Fr Martin Anaconda directed the construction of its massive belfry in 1889.
With a refined taste, the Barasoain Church is an excellent example of neo-colonial architecture. Its three entrances on the front sharp-line molding consisted of symmetrical three arches, a rose window in the middle and a balance arched windows on both sides. Consisting of three naves, the church central nave is divided in aisles piers or parallel rows that move toward its magnificent retablo or altar-piece in rhythmical pattern. Its lateral windows gave a spectacular light and shadow effect inside the church.
At the close of the Nineteenth Century, the Barasoain Church witnessed three important events in Philippine history: the convening of the Malolos Congress, the drafting of the Malolos Constitution, and the inauguration of the First Philippine Republic, following the transfer of the seat of the dictatorial government from Bacoor, Cavite, to Malolos, Bulacan, on September 14, 1898.
On September 15, 1898, a festive mood reigned over Malolos. Houses were decorated lavishly and people filled the streets. Inside the Barasoain Church, around 87 delegates representing various provinces, some were appointed by General Emilio F Aguinaldo, were already seated, leaving the aisle for the audience. Considered the most important, the congress ratified the Act of Declaration of Independence signed by 98 Filipinos when General Aguinaldo declared Philippine Independence from Spain at the balcony of his resident in Kawit, Cavite, on June 12, 1898. At this time, the congress decided to draft the Malolos Constitution.
Presented on October 8, 1898, by Don Felipe G Calderon, a draft constitution was debated upon by the Malolos Congress. Over the next few weeks, provisions of the constitution were discussed and deliberated upon, among which are the separation of the state and the church and the powers of the legislative over the executive branch of government.
In colorful ceremonies on January 23, 1898, the First Philippine Republic was inaugurated and General Aguinaldo took his oath as the president. Two days earlier, he promulgated the Malolos Constitution, the final result of the Malolos Congress.
A church that exudes a mixed air of reward and elegance, the Barasoain Church, built for the love of God, welcomed weary spirits who courageously fought for our independence, thereby establishing the first republic in Asia.
It was built by faith, and by faith, it continues to exist for God and our country.
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