The fully restored Taal Basilica in Batangas has been turned over by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) to the Archdiocese of Lipa after three years of restoration.
NHCP Chairman Dr. Rene R. Escalante presided over the turnover of the restored basilica to the Archdiocese of Lipa represented by its Archbishop, Most Rev. Gilbert A. Garcera, D.D. in a ceremony held on November 11, 2020.
The Minor Basilica of St. Martin of Tours also known as Taal Basilica located in the heritage town of Taal, Batangas, was damaged back in 2017 when a 5.5-magnitude quake hit the province and underwent full restoration for three years.
The centuries-old Taal Basilica known for its Baroque architecture and Trompe-l’oeil painted ceilings erected in 1575 during the Spanish colonial period is the largest Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines and in Asia.
The National Historical Institute marked Taal Basilica twice, in 1972 and in 1986, for its contribution to Philippine history.
Spanish colonial churches in the Philippines are being prepared for the 500 years Quincentennial celebration of the arrival of the Catholic faith in the country.
In July, the oldest Catholic church in Mindanao, the San Salvador del Mundo Parish in Caraga, Davao Oriental, reopened after two years of restoration work.
The restored historic Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan has also been turned over to Bulacan parishioners in September.
After months of lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, Philippine churches in selected areas have been allowed to conduct mass gatherings under strict community quarantine guidelines.
SEND CHEERS in the comments below to the people of Batangas and the Catholic faithful for the restoration of the Philippines’ and Asia’s largest heritage church in Taal, Batangas.
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