Calbayog Cathedral
Diocese of Calbayog·Roman Catholic·Philippines
Calbayog Cathedral, officially Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Calbayog, Philippines. Designated in 1913, it holds the distinction of being the first cathedral in Eastern Visayas and is recognized as the mother church of the region. Its construction, initiated in 1840, showcases a blend of Baroque-Romanesque architectural elements and has been a significant religious and historical landmark.
Key Facts
- ›The Jesuits established the parish in Jibatan in 1599, which later became the Calbayog parish.
- ›Construction of the present-day cathedral began in 1840 under parish priest Fr. Jose Gomez.
- ›The architectural style is described as Baroque-Romanesque, featuring a cruciform ground plan and a circular dome.
- ›Significant expansions and additions were made throughout the 19th century by various parish priests.
- ›It was consecrated as a cathedral in 1913 by Bishop Pablo Singzon.
- ›The National Historical Commission of the Philippines installed a historical marker for the cathedral in 2018.
Baroque-Romanesque
- Cruciform Ground Plan
- Circular Dome Above the Transept
- Exterior Buttresses
- FaçAde With A Clock
- Interior and Sanctuary Paved With Marble
- Retablo
- Paintings of Sts. Peter and Paul, the Evangelists, and the Apostles On the Dome and Ceiling
- Four Large Chandeliers Imported From Europe
- Pipe Organ
- Historical Marker Installed By Nhcp
About Calbayog Cathedral
Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral, also known as Our Lady's Nativity Parish and commonly referred to as Calbayog Cathedral, is a significant Roman Catholic religious structure located in the city of Calbayog, Samar province, Philippines. It holds the distinction of being the first cathedral designated in Eastern Visayas in 1913, earning it the title of the mother church of the region. The cathedral's history is rooted in the missionary efforts of the Jesuits, who established a parish in the settlement of Jibatan in 1599, which was later transferred to Franciscan administration.
History and Construction
The foundation of the present-day cathedral was laid in 1840 by Fr. Jose Gomez, who initiated its construction with thick stone and brick walls. The architectural design is characterized by a Baroque-Romanesque style, featuring a cruciform ground plan and a circular dome at the transept's center. Throughout the 19th century, various parish priests contributed to its development. Fr. Francisco Juan Moreno de Montalbanejo expanded its dimensions in 1855, while Fr. Salustiano Bus added exterior buttresses and a convent in the 1870s. The façade and campanario were constructed in 1871 by Fr. Juan Ferreras, and the roofing was updated with galvanized iron, and the ceiling built, under Fr. Damian Peña. The interior was further enhanced by Fr. Antonio Sanchez, who paved the sanctuary with marble and built the retablo.
Significance and Later Developments
In 1913, Bishop Pablo Singzon consecrated the church as the cathedral of the newly established Diocese of Samar and Leyte. During this period, the church was recognized as one of the most beautiful in the Visayas and the largest in Samar and Leyte, adorned with European chandeliers, imported pipe organ, and clock, and decorated with mosaic and geometrical designs, along with paintings by local artists depicting biblical scenes.
The cathedral has undergone significant renovations, including a total renovation by Msgr. Basilio Rosales in 1960. It continues to stand as an active place of worship and a historical landmark, with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines installing a historical marker in 2018 to commemorate its heritage.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official name of Calbayog Cathedral?
The official name of Calbayog Cathedral is Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral. It is also known as Our Lady's Nativity Parish and commonly referred to as Calbayog Cathedral.
When was Calbayog Cathedral built?
Construction of the present-day cathedral began in 1840. Several expansions and modifications were made by subsequent parish priests throughout the 19th century.
What is the architectural style of Calbayog Cathedral?
Calbayog Cathedral is executed in the Baroque-Romanesque style. Its ground plan is cruciform, and it features a circular dome above the transept.
Why is Calbayog Cathedral significant in the region?
It holds significance as the first cathedral designated in Eastern Visayas in 1913. It is considered the mother church of the region.
Has Calbayog Cathedral undergone any renovations?
Yes, the cathedral has undergone renovations and restorations throughout its history. Msgr. Basilio Rosales totally renovated the church in 1960.
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