Iloílo & Panay Island Heritage Watch

[habagatcentral1]

The commonfolk calls it Maria Clara but let us verify if its the statue of Tandang Sora.

[Animo]

By Joy Rosal-Sumagaysay

The Candelaria in the Philippines

Accounts reveal that as early as 1600, an image of the Nuestra Sra. De la Candelaria was commissioned by Lt. Don Cristobal Mercado for the settlement in Dilao (now Paco). In 1904, there were nine pueblos having the Candelaria as their advocate. These were Morong, Bataan; Mabitac, Laguna; Silang, Cavite; Candelaria, Zambales (now in Quezon); Candelaria, Surigao; Paracale, Ambos, Camarines Sta. Maria, Mora; San Enrique, Negros Occidental and Jaro, Iloilo.

Since then, new parishes have been formed and continue to be formed as the country's population increases. With that is an increase in the number of parishes dedicated to the Candelaria.

It is certain, though, that the grandest celebration of her feast is in Jaro, Iloilo—the center of Candelaria devotion in the Philipines

The Venerated Image of the Candelaria in Jaro

The only reference to the origins of the stone statue of the Nuestra Sra. De la Candelaria is a legend well-known to Jarenos.

ChurchThe legend says that a long, long time ago, the image was discovered by a fisherman on the banks of the Iloilo river. Although it was only a foot high, the statue was very heavy. Many attempted to lift it but failed. Only when the people finally agreed to bring this image to Jaro did one person succeed in carrying the statue.

Strange happenings surround this image and many believe that the Señora has miraculous powers. People say that in the olden days, she had the habit of disappearing very early in the morning. A mist would shroud her niche in the pediment of the Cathedral. At around this time, a beautiful lady with long, flowing hair could be seen bathing her child at the artesian well at the plaza.

Another story circulates among the old folks of Jaro. They say that some years before World War II, the Candelaria's abode was engulfed in total darkness for several days. The next time her sanctuary became visible, the Candelaria had miraculously grown larger. (Devotees are convinced that the Candelaria is still growing up to this day.)

One Jareño narrated how the Candelaria had supposedly saved her parents during World War II as Japanese bombs were hitting air raid shelters in Jaro. Her mother called out to the Candelaria, saying: "Nuestra Sra. De la Candelaria, tabuni sang imo capa ang amon napanaguan." ("Our Lady of Candles, shield our hiding place with your cape.")

The concept of the Candelaria as a kind mother who conscientiously guides her children and grants them their supplications is well-ingrained in the minds and hearts of her devotees. No longer is she an abstract idea; instead, she is a real, "feeling" mother, being represented in her sculpted stone image.

Human interest stories attest to this "feeling" nature of the image. Back in the 1870s, as the Jaro Cathedral was about to be finished, a serious problem arose. The statue of the Virgin repeatedly refused to be taken down from her niche in the old church. So the parishioners suspected that the idea of transferring to another shrine did not appeal to the Candelaria. In the old church, she was positioned relatively closer to her people. In the new church, she will be literally out of reach by her people.

Faced with this predicament, Bishop Cartero, together with his parishioners resorted to rayer. While the sky grumbled and flashed, thely fervently prayed to convince the Candelaria to transfer. Moved by their intense supplication, the Virgin consented. On February 1, 1874, she was carried to her new abode in a solemn procession that passed through the main streets of Jaro.

The late Archbishop, Msgr. Alberto J. Piamonte, narrates a mysterious event very similar to the one presented above. This time, the statue of the Candelaria has to be transferred from her niche at the pediment to the balcony especially constructed for the visit of late Pope John Paul II.

A group headed by Engr. "Tantoy" Locsin (a dedicated lay parishioner of Jaro) was tasked to bring down the Candelaria. As workers tried to do it, the chains broke several times. An insight dawned on Tyo Tantoy. Perhaps, the Señora would like the transfer to be witnessed by the Archbishop of Jaro. So, Tyo Tantoy told Msgr. Piamonte that "dapat tambungan." Without any hesitation, the late archbishop dressed up in his full regalia and personally directed the operation. The chains did not break this time. The Candelaria reached the balcony safely.

At present, she continues to reside there serenely, much closer now to her children

The Candlemas and the Origin of the Candelaria

Candlemas is the feast celebrated every 2nd of February to commemorate two major events in the New Testament – the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple and the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

It is written in the law of the Lord: "Consecrate all the first-born to me, the first issue of every womb, among the sons of Israel" (Ex 13:2). So, Jesus was offered to God by the prophet Simeon who for many years awaited His coming. Then Jesus was redeemed by Mary and Joseph with a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons (Luke 2:22-38). The prophetess Anna was also present to witness this formal presentation of Jesus to the Father.

On this same occasion, Mary had herself purified for it is also written in the Jewish Law that when a woman gives birth, she becomes unclean. For a specified number of days (forty for a male child and eighty for a female), she must not appear in public nor ouch anything consecrated to God. After complying with this precept, she must bring to the temple a lamb (as burnt offering) and a pigeon or turtle dove (as sin offering). The priest will offer these to God and will pray for her atonement. If the lamb is beyond her means, another pigeon or turtle dove can be offered instead (Lev 12:1-8).

Based on the diary of a pilgrim named Etheria, Candlemas (then known as the 40th day of Epiphany) was already celebrated in Jerusalem as early as 400 A.D. The The feast spread to the Eastern Empire in Constantinople under the name of Hypapante (Occursus domini or meeting of the Lord and Simeon). It also spread to the West, first mentioned in a 7th century manuscript with the title of Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The procession of lights believed to be of pagan Roman origin was a permanent fixture of this feast but the blessing of the candles was only institutionalised later in the 11th century.

From being a Christological celebration, the Candlemas evolved ino a Marian-centered feast probably because the procession usually ended in a church in honor of Mary. In later centuries, the creation of the icon showing Mary as the 'bearer of Light of lights" further solidified the Marian character of the Candlemas.

The candles blessed on this day are believed to give protection during calamities particularly angry typhoons and their accompanying lightnings and thunderbolts.

The Nuestra Sra. De la Candelaria is said to have originated from Tenerife, one of the seven Canary Islands. According to Alonso de Espino, a Dominican friar, this image was mysteriously discovered a century before the Spaniards set foot on the Canaries in 1505. Because of her miraculous powers, the Virgin's fame spread to the other islands and eventually to the mother country, Spain. From there, it was introduced to the rest of the nations which Spain evangelised including the Philippines

Jaro and the Candelaria

Jaro is not Jaro without the grand and famous fiesta of the Candelaria. Known all over Iloilo and even beyond, the feast of the Candelaria attracts thousands of devotees every 2nd of February. The grand Cathedral complex teems with people from all walks of life.

What makes this Jaro fiesta so popular?

They say it is the religious image of the Candelaria which many believe to be miraculous. But on top of that, it is probably because of Jaro itself

The Greatness of Jaro

Jaro, formerly known as Salog, is bounded on the north by Pavia and Mandurriao; on the east by Leganes, on the south by La Paz and on the West by Molo. The Salog and Dungon rivers course through its plains.

Jaro is located about five kilometres from Iloilo City. Jaro was already an independent flourishing city long before Iloilo became one. However in the early twentieth century, the center of economic and political activity shifted to Iloilo which upon becoming a chartered city in 1937, absorbed the former city of Jaro as well as the old towns of Arevalo, Molo, Mandurriao, and La Paz. The loss of Jaro's independence as a city has not in any way diminished the impressive achievements she has accumulated throughout the centuries.

During the Spanish period, her bureaucratic system was close to the ideal. She had rich agricultural lands and a thriving weaving industry. Her river ports were bustling and her market day, every Thursday, was always and still is a colourful sight to behold.

Jaro is also the home to many great men and women. There is no exaggeration when given a list of Jaro's illustrious children. To name a few: Graciano Lopez Jaena (great revolutionary hero), Jose Lopez Vito (editor of el Tiempo), Fernando Lopez (former Vice-President of the Philippines), Eugenio Lopez (founder of Meralco), Gen. Rafael Jalandoni (first Armed Forces Chief of Staff), Ruperto Montinola (senator), Rafael Hechanova (basketball player), Magdalena Jalandoni (Hiligaynon poetess) and Gil Lopez Kabayao (renowned violinist).

But more than her children's meritorious achievements in various fields of endeavor, Jaro's fame rests on her vibrant ecclesiastical history

Jaro's Growth as the Center of Faith

Jaro began as a visita or pastoral charge of Ogtong (Oton) in 1575. It was transferred under the care of Arevalo in 1584. Since a visita like Jaro had a small populace, a priest from the mother parish only visited now and then.

On April 25, 1587, the Preovincial Chapter of the Augustinians decided to elevate Jaro into a parish. As such, it became the fifth independent parish in Iloilo, the others being Ogtong (1572), Tigbauan (1575), Janiuay (1578), and Arevalo (1581).

Unknown to many, this parish of Jaro was originally located at Alanga (where the district of La Paz now stands). The settlement was rehabilitated after the Dutch attack of 1614. In 1636, Fr. Bernardo Alisen, the parish priest of Jaro, decided that a transfer had to be effected because the settlement was so typhoon-battered and unsafe from Moro raids. Between 1742-1744, when the transfer was more or less completed, Fr. Juan Aguado drated the basic town plan and started construction of a convent and church "of very solid quality." It was also around this time that the Jaro belfry was constructed.

The 18th century church began by Fr. Aguado referred not to the present Cathedral which was still to be build in the 19th century in a site about a hundred meters away from its original position. According to a Jareno, Ms. Ofelia Jalandoni, this is roughly the spot on which the house of Salud Montinola once stood (where SM Jaro now stands).

On July 13, 1787, a strong earthquake brought damage to the church and the bell tower. Sometime in the 19th century, these structures were again damaged.

Only after 37 years since that quake of 1787 did the friars begin formal reconstruction. The parish priest at this time, Fr. Francisco Agueria readied the plans for the construction of a new church. Then, he set about gathering the necessary building materials like bricks and logs. With the transfer of the parish under secular control in 1856, Bishop Mariano Cuartero, O.P. carried out Fr. Agueria's plans, this time on a grander scale. The reason for this is the elevation of Jaro into a diocese as decreed in the Papal Bull (Qui ab initio) signed by Pope Pius IX on May 27, 1865.

The new Cathedral was named St. Elizabeth (of Hungary) in honor of Queen Isabel II whose "royal devotion" facilitated approval of the Bull. The document was carried into effect two years later (October 10, 1867) in formal ceremonies at the episcopal city of Jaro. Fr. Jose Burgos (the priest-martyr of the revolution) acting as proxy for the Archbishop of Manila witnessed this memorable event.

The Diocese of Jaro was created to ease the burden of the diocese of Cebu which was composed of twelve very large provinces stretching from the Visayas to Mindanao. With the separation of Jaro from Cebu and its creation as a diocese, the whole of Panay, Negros, Romblon, Palawan, Zamboanga, Cotabato, Davao and Jolo were placed under her jurisdiction. In later years, several regions also separated from the Diocese of Jaro to better administer to their growing population. The diocese of Zamboanga was created in 1910, Bacolod in 1933, and Capiz in 1951.

Jaro's eminence soared higher with its elevation to the rank of Archdiocese on June 29, 1951. In his Papal Bull "Quo in Philipina Republica," Pope Pius XII, upon the recommendation and full support of Msgr. Egidio Vagnossi, D.D., Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, approved the elevation of four old Flipino dioceses namely Jaro, Nueva Segovia, Nueva Caceres and Cagayan. This is due to the following reasons: considerable civil and religious progress of the Filipinos; steadily increasing population; and, large number of dioceses in the country.

At present, Archidiocesis Jarensis is comprised of the civil provinces of Iloilo and Guimaras. Its suffragans are the Diocese of Bacolod, San Jose de Antique, San Carlos and Kabankalan.

The Jaro Cathedral

With the elevation of Jaro into a diocese in 1865, Bishop Cuartero believed that only a new edifice worthy to be called a cathedral had to be constructed. Even before the news of the elevation reached Jaro, it must be remembered that plans were already underway to construct a new church. The old church was "dingy and dark in the interior and had an unattractive exterior." Informants say that instead of limos or money offering, the parishioners were asked to bring to Mass construction materials like stone, sand and eggs. It is also said that Don Manuel Arguelles, a former petty governor (capitan passado) of Jaro, greatly helped in building the Cathedral.

Construction began on February 22, 1869. In 1874, the Cathedral as well as the Bishop's residence and the seminary were readied for the inauguration. Spread over a period of four days (from January 30-February 2) the inauguration was an extremely grand occasion combining solemnity, pomp and splendor.

The celebration opened with the blessing of the new Cathedral by Bishop Mariano Cuartero. On the second day, a Pontifical Mass was held after which the Cathedral was opened to all especially visitors from other towns. The third day witnessed the transfer of the stone statue of the Candelaria to the new Cathedral. On the final day, the traditional blessing of the candles was followed by a High Mass. Later in the afternoon, the grand and solemn procession closed the four-day celebration.

(For more features on Iloilo art and culture, check out www.iloveiloilo.com)

[habagatcentral1]

This photo was taken during the latest Feast of Our Lady of Candles





Imagen de la Nuestra Señora de Candelaria

The image which is the center of devotion of the feast. Believed to be miraculous as it grows every year, and getting heavier, thousands flock here to see the image during Her feast every February 2.

[METROPOLITAN_ILOILO]

Originally Posted by habagatcentral1

This photo was taken during the latest Feast of Our Lady of Candles





Imagen de la Nuestra Señora de Candelaria

The image which is the center of devotion of the feast. Believed to be miraculous as it grows every year, and getting heavier, thousands flock here to see the image during Her feast every February 2.

Berns... Madamo Salamat sa Pictures. Ay kalipat gid ko Maghapit da sa Jaro Cathedral...

[Animo]

image hosted on flickr

[Pacific_leopard]

where did they go! Molo looked better back in the Hispanic era.waaaaaaaaa

[habagatcentral1]

Originally Posted by Pacific_leopard

where did they go! Molo looked better back in the Hispanic era.waaaaaaaaa

Its either you have to blame it to the bombing of Iloilo in 1899 by the Yankees, The Revolutionarios burning the houses or the Liberation of the Philippines from the Japanese.

[METROPOLITAN_ILOILO]

Thats how progressive Iloilo then...


Animo thanks for the pic... I am actually looking for similar pics... kinda hard though.

[IMPRESARIO]

source: Towards-a-Revitalization-Program-for-the-Iloilo CBD-12-05-07
migdec website

[METROPOLITAN_ILOILO]

Wow! So nice and clean. Tani ma-implement ASAP!


hehehe Where,s the link for the site?



Thanks for posting this James!


Long time no see... sako gid?

[IMPRESARIO]

i got it for migdec website, but i don't see the site anymore.

yeah, just figuring out what to do with my life,hehehe

[METROPOLITAN_ILOILO]

yeah i tried to research but I cant seem to find those pics... must be that they uploaded that, then just maybe they remove that and right now still in the process of reconstructing the website then have it relaunched (hopefully). Its nice to see this kind of proposals and seeing it realized one day.


wahehe.. no need to Figure... just live your life the way you like it or the way it should be... you're still Young.

[habagatcentral1]

So this is a MIGEDC project. I think there will be talks with the local heritage council (ICCHCC), TF Calle Real and MIGEDC about this.

[METROPOLITAN_ILOILO]

Maybe its just a teaser... cos I think in the near future these organizations will collaborate for the success of the Preservation of these "treasures"

any updates?

[habagatcentral1]

One thing's for sure:

Among all of the plazas in the city, Jaro Plaza is the most troublesome according to some I cannot mention the names. Politics is one reason, the other is the tradition.

[METROPOLITAN_ILOILO]

hmm what do you mean by that? would you care to elaborate Berns? Sa tood lang sa kadakoon sang plaza nga ina kag sa kanami sang location... amo gid ini dapat panamion...if you take a look at Roxas City Plaza... they could follow similar improvement.

[habagatcentral1]

There are some things left unsaid here in the forums.
Even the Plazoleta Gay obelisk is no simple task of removing it.

The major component: politics. I cannot elaborate further.

[METROPOLITAN_ILOILO]

aww! Ok, there goes that dirty word again. Politics... I'll keep my mouth shut then. There is no way going around it... lest T'will open a can of worms.

Hay! (panghayhay na lang ta!)

[Animo]

image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr

[Animo]

Originally Posted by METROPOLITAN_ILOILO

Animo thanks for the pic... I am actually looking for similar pics... kinda hard though.

Thanks! I have a lot but I don't have the time.

A gift to you guys!

image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr