Church seeks national shrine status

Asia Africa Intelligence Wire
 | November 07, 2002 | Copyright
(From Philippine Daily Inquirer)
Byline: Mei Magsino
FOR pilgrims on visita iglesia (visiting churches), the 237-year-old San Jose Parish Church is always in the top five in their itinerary list.
Some devotees say the church gives them a sense of total peace and serenity that other places do not have. But others say it is the feel of homely atmosphere that makes it a must-visit, even for travelers.
"Bathed by the serene light of a tropical moon, its silver cupola majestically lifted to the stars as if to beg a prayer, and its massive walls nearly concealed among the cool and familiar shades of perfumed calachuchi, caressing acacia trees and drifting coconut palms, the parish church of San Jose, Batangas, stands as a glaring symbol of man's earthly existence, his dream to comprehend the cosmos, and his enduring faith in an Almighty God," wrote Fr. Rey de la Cruz of the beautiful and artistic church of San Jose in the "Prelude" of the "Golden Book of San Jose" published 30 years ago.
Many books and poems have also been written in praise of the parish church, which the people of San Jose were able to preserve through individual labor, expertise and hard-earned money that they volunteered to give for its improvement.
Built in 1765 during the administration of Spanish friars of the Order of St. Augustine, the church is now run by the Oblates of St. Joseph. Today, it still has the same charms that attract people to spend even a short while in prayer or visit the structure whose artistic value has been preserved for centuries.
For the local residents, the church deserves to be recognized as a national treasure.
According to parish priest John de Castro, OSJ, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines is set to declare the church a national shrine.
Centuries-old
Nestled on top of a hill surrounded by age-old trees and ancestral homes that gives more attraction to the small town of San Jose, the church stands even more majestically.
The town, situated between the booming cities of Batangas and Lipa, has always been a stopover for travelers. One of the province's biggest food baskets, San Jose is known as the egg producer of Luzon, supplying 60 percent of Metro Manila's egg and chicken requirements daily.
As most of the town's residents are medical professionals who are also engaged in livestock business, it seems amazing that they still have the time and effort to spend preserving a historical and religious landmark.
"The attitude of the parishioners of San Jose reflects that of their patron saint's. From the very beginning, they have volunteered to carry the stones, sands, mortars and other building materials to the site and build this beautiful church, convent and patio that we have today," De Castro said.
How a massive edifice has come to survive the test of years, wars and weather has also become a wonder.
Built on April 26, 1765, the structure still stands alive with its architectural design intact and its interiors still promise marvel to the eyes for more years.
The external paint color has changed, but the awe and serenity are still there.
Outside, some of the calachuchi are gone, but the acacia trees have grown so big that they seem to adorn the church facade with dainty pink flowers during summer while providing cool shade to the people and the structure.
Everyday, travelers are seen going up the steps to the church to rest and pray, while those coming in cars park under the cool shades of the trees and visit the church.
Charm
The imposing central dome is still the dominant sentinel that it used to be, watching with vigilance and care over homes bound by tradition and charity.
During World War II, when most of the places of worship were bombed by the Japanese forces, the San Jose Church suffered only slight exterior damage. It was repaired by the parishioners as soon as the war ended.
"When the spirit of unity is in the people, and they move as one, nothing can destroy this church," Dr. Miguel Ambal, a businessman, said.
The interior is still a real marvel. The paintings on the ceiling remain amazing. Except for the cornices, everything else inside the church is original.
The latest additional oil paintings done by famous contemporary artists are a colorful catechism.
The inscriptions "Ite ad Joseph", superimposed with its Filipino translation "Magsakdal kay Poong San Jose" on the main arc supporting the giant cupola, greets every worshipper and leads him to train his sight at the beautiful antique statue of St. Joseph, enshrined at the highest portion of the main altar.
From this vantage point, the statue is seen cuddling the child Jesus with paternal care over the Blessed Sacrament right beneath the feet.
St. Joseph is the same protective foster father who took care of Jesus in his home in Nazareth. Like their patron saint, the parishioners, according to De Castro, have been taking good care of their church.
Priceless treasures
Antique works of art that came from as far as Italy have been one of the most captivating features inside the church.
The gold tabernacle is one priceless piece. The figure of the mother pelican bird feeding its chicks with its own blood etched on the door of the tabernacle reminds everyone of God's unconditional love for men. It is the most central and focal point inside the church and is always partially covered with thin laces embroidered with semiprecious stones. It is perennially kept clean by the ladies of the Parish Liturgical Environment Committee.
The pulpit from where the priests used to preach is preserved intact. It is adorned with gold leaves, symbolic of the words of God heard through the preacher.
But many of the precious antiques are gone. The antique giant lamp that used to dominate the altar is missing.
According to the church manangs, during big celebrations, the tall brass candle stands used to fill both sides of the aisle from the main door to the communion rail.
Today, only six of the antique candle stands are left.
A beautiful stole brought by Italian fathers was also gone. In 1971, it was borrowed by cursillo staff members but was never returned. It was later declared lost.
Many more antique pieces are missing and the Parish Historical Commission has been tasked with the impossible mission of recovering them.
"But in reality, and even history can prove it, the real priceless treasure of San Jose are the people who have been working hard and volunteering to help us," Father De Castro said.
Inspiration
Despite the lost treasures, the people still help renovate the church.
The Parish Finance Council, headed by lawyer Asuncion Kalalo and Irene Ambal, held a concert on Oct. 12 to raise funds for the improvement of the church.
"When the project was announced, the people moved to help us," Ambal said. "Even the singers agreed to help even on our first meeting."
Nestor Quartero, entertainment editor of a national newspaper, who is also a devotee of St. Joseph, was the one who arranged the meeting with artists Aiza Seguera, Dulce and Marco Sison.
"The negotiation went on smoothly," Quartero said. "The singers instantly recognized the need and they didn't even demand so much from us."
According to the parish priest, the proceeds of the concert will be used to improve the facilities of the church and the construction of the Convento de San Jose on the left side.
"We are hoping that the CBCP will declare our church a national shrine," De Castro said, "We have been preparing for that since June. And with all the help we've been getting, having a church and parishioners this united is inspiring enough."