In a significant cultural acknowledgment, three historic churches in Rizal Province have been officially declared National Cultural Treasures (NCTs) by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). This landmark announcement encompasses Sta. Ursula Parish in Binangonan, the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of San Jose in Baras, and St. Jerome Parish Church in Morong, all cherished remnants of the Spanish colonial era.
To honour this historic recognition, separate celebrations are planned; Baras and Binangonan churches will host events early this month, whilst Morong Church is still finalising its celebration date. The formal conferment for Sta. Ursula Parish is set for March 2, featuring a Holy Mass led by Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Santos, enhancing the church’s historical significance.
The rich history of Binangonan’s church dates back to the 18th century, with its foundations laid by the Franciscans in 1621 and later overseen by various religious orders. Similarly, the Baras Church, celebrated as the oldest Josephian parish in southern Tagalog, has roots tracing back to 1595, with its current structure completed in 1686. The parish expressed pride in its nomination, stating that “Baras Church is not just a building, but a living testimony of the faith of Filipinos.”
St. Jerome Parish Church in Morong, built in 1615 after a previous structure succumbed to a fire, also carries significant historical weight. Renovations in the 1850s by Franciscan Fr. Maximo Rico added to its aesthetic appeal, ensuring its preservation as a vital cultural site. The church’s social media platforms reported with excitement about its imminent declaration as an NCT, promising further details soon.
With these latest additions, the Diocese of Antipolo now proudly claims four NCT churches, including the San Ildefonso de Toledo Church in Tanay, designated in 2001. NCT designation is the pinnacle of recognition for sites endowed with extraordinary historical, cultural, and artistic value, reflecting the rich tapestry of the Philippines’ heritage.
Three historic churches in Rizal — Sta. Ursula Parish in Binangonan, the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of San Jose in Baras, and St. Jerome Parish Church in Morong — have been declared as National Cultural Treasures by the NCCA. Celebratory events are planned for Baras and Binangonan, while Morong is finalising its schedule. This designation highlights their cultural and historical significance in the Philippines.
The recognition of Sta. Ursula Parish, the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of San Jose, and St. Jerome Parish Church as National Cultural Treasures underscores the significance of these churches in preserving Filipino history and devotion. The celebrations planned to commemorate these declarations reflect a deep appreciation for the historical narratives these sacred spaces uphold, further enhancing the rich cultural legacy of Rizal Province.
Original Source: www.pna.gov.ph
