Bangued Cathedral
Bangued Cathedral, officially Saint James the Elder Cathedral Parish, is the principal Roman Catholic church in Bangued, Abra, Philippines. It serves as the seat of the Bangued Diocese and is a significant spiritual center for the province.
Key Facts
- ›Construction of the large church began in 1722 and was completed in 1807.
- ›The church was bombed in World War II, resulting in the destruction of its roof and altar, with only the walls and bell tower surviving.
- ›It became the cathedral of the newly established Territorial Prelature of Bangued in 1955.
- ›The cathedral is dedicated to Saint James the Elder, whose feast day was proclaimed the capital of Abra.
- ›Originally established as an Augustinian mission in 1615, the administration later passed to secular clergy and the Divine Word Missionaries.
Bell Tower, Survived Bombing In Wwii
About Bangued Cathedral
Saint James the Elder Cathedral Parish, commonly known as Bangued Cathedral, is a significant religious landmark located in Bangued, the capital of Abra province in the northwestern Philippines. Situated in Barangay Zone 6 Poblacion, it serves as the spiritual heart of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bangued and is dedicated to Saint James the Elder.
History and Construction
The history of Bangued Cathedral is intertwined with the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines. A Spanish garrison was established in the area in 1598 to protect missionaries. The Bangued mission itself was founded in 1615 by Augustinian friars, with Fr. Juan Pareja baptizing a large number of natives. The construction of the substantial church began in 1722 and was completed in 1807, measuring approximately 73 meters in length. A convent was also built adjoining the church.
Bangued was formally inaugurated as a municipality in 1861 and proclaimed the capital of Abra in 1863, notably on the feast day of Saint James the Elder. The administration of the church returned to the Augustinians in 1892 after a period of secular oversight.
World War II and Reconstruction
During World War II, on March 10, 1945, the church and its adjoining buildings were heavily damaged by incendiary bombs dropped by American planes. The original altar was destroyed, but the church walls and bell tower remarkably survived the attack. Reconstruction efforts began in 1947, including the repair of the roof and altar, and the installation of an electric pipe organ.
Diocesan Seat
In 1955, the church was designated as the cathedral for the newly established Territorial Prelature of Bangued. This prelature was subsequently elevated to the status of a full diocese in 1982, solidifying the cathedral's role as the principal church of the region. In 1976, the parish administration was transferred to the diocesan clergy.
A marker in front of the cathedral details its history, noting its creation as an Augustinian ministry in 1617, the start and completion of its construction, its proclamation as the capital of Abra, and the damage and subsequent reconstruction following the bombing in 1945. It also marks the year it became a cathedral in 1955.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Bangued Cathedral established?
The mission in Bangued was established in 1615 by Augustinian friars. The construction of the large church began in 1722 and was completed in 1807.
What happened to Bangued Cathedral during World War II?
During World War II, on March 10, 1945, American warplanes bombed the church and adjoining buildings. The original altar was destroyed, but the church walls and tower remained standing.
When did Bangued Cathedral become a cathedral?
The church of Bangued became the cathedral of the then newly established Territorial Prelature of Bangued on July 25, 1955. The prelature was later elevated into a diocese in 1982.
Who is Bangued Cathedral dedicated to?
Bangued Cathedral is dedicated to Saint James the Elder. The town of Bangued was proclaimed the capital of Abra on his feast day in 1861.
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