After we went to San Gregorio Parish in Majayjay, Laguna, we headed to Lumban to go to the church devoted below the patronage of San Sebastian. Lumban is among the oldest cities in Laguna and is dubbed because the “Embroidery Capital of the Philippines“. The tremendous work of Lumban embroiderers will be seen on clothes such because the Barong Tagalog and different Filipiniana apparel, robes and veils, handkerchiefs, tableclothes, and extra. The identify Lumban, alternatively, got here from Lumbang Tree (candlenut tree), a typical foliage on the town.
The city can also be identified for the Lumbang River, the situation the place the Laguna Copperplate Inscription was discovered. It’s the oldest identified doc discovered within the Phillippines, courting to 900 AD. It’s thought-about a nationwide treasure and is at present displayed in Nationwide Museum of Anthropology in Manila. (See: A Day in Nationwide Museum of Anthropology)
When the Franciscans arrived within the Philippines in 1578, they began the evangelization within the province of Laguna. Two of the primary missionaries who initiated the mission have been Father Diego de Oropesa de San José and Padre Juán Portocarrero de Plasencia who’s notably often called the creator of Doctrina Christiana, the primary ebook ever printed within the nation. Lumban along with Pila turned the primary Spanish city of the province and coronary heart of the Franciscan missionary actions in Laguna.
It’s attention-grabbing to notice that Lumban Church was was first devoted below the patronage of Saint Francis of Assisi. The primary church was constructed on the northern portion of the city and was manufactured from poor supplies like nipa and bamboo. The church was additionally completely broken by many events. The primary church was destroyed by flood and the subsequent one was burned. Lumban finally turned the primary Franciscan mission settlement within the nation in 1586 and the parish priest that point was Fray Pedro Bautista (now often called San Pedro Bautista – he together with 25 martyr companions who have been crucified throughout their mission in Japan have been canonized in 1862). Fray Pedro Baustista obtained permission for the constructing of a brand new church and convent that was to be manufactured from stone. With permission granted by the governor normal, Lumban Church was reputed to be the primary stone church in-built Laguna. Completed in 1600 after lengthy years of laborious labor and a number of other tragedies, it was additionally thought-about to be the primary Franciscan constructing manufactured from stone constructed exterior Manila. It was additionally right here that the Blessed Sacrament was reserved for the primary time exterior of Manila in 1600.
In response to Felix Huerta, a Franciscan friar and the creator behind Estado geográfico, topográfico, estadístico, histórico- religioso de la santa y apostólica Provincia de San Gregorio Magno (“Geographical, topographical, statistical, historic and non secular state of the holy and apostolicprovince of St. Gregory the Nice”), the parish has two chapels devoted to San Sebastian and the Holy Cross.
Adjoining to the church is a convent. Within the 18th century, the city adopted St. Sebastián, the Martyr, as its patron saint and since then, the parish bore the identify of the saint. Structure-wise, the church has a easy 3-story façade with three-level octagonal bell tower on the suitable.
The bell tower of Lumban Church
The facade options niches with stained glass home windows. The niches on the second degree options the pictures of Saint Sebastian (left), the Resurrected Christ (middle), and the Assumption of our Woman (left). The area of interest on the middle of its pediment which can also be adorned with balusters seemingly options a picture of an angel.
The pediment
The façade can also be ornated with ionic pillars. It additionally comes with pink bricks outlining the pillars, niches, and the principle door.
The inside of the church is equally beautiful. It options lacquered picket ceiling, three golden retablos, and an intricately designed pulpit.
The nave and altars of Lumban Church
The nearer look of the pulpit.
The principle altar and the dome. The church highlights a two-level retablo. The decrease niches options the pictures of Saint Francis of Assisi (left), the tabernacle of the Blessed Sacrament, and the picture of San Pedro Bautista (proper). The higher degree highlights the picture of San Sebastian with the Immaculate Coronary heart of Jesus and Mary mounted on each side. The uppermost portion of the altar options a lovely picture of Saint Michael the Archangel.
The best facet altar enshrines the picture of Virgen del Flores (the one the parish makes use of for Flores de Maria) and the picture of Santo Nino above.
The left facet altar, alternatively, options the pictures of Saint Joseph (backside) and San Vicente Ferrer (above)
The retablos of Lumban Church
The picture of Saint Michael the Archangel on high of the principle retablo
The picture of San Sebastian, the patron saint of Lumban. Due to this, the feast day of the city is on January 20 to honor the patron saint. Though in addition they have Burdang Lumban Pageant celebrated each month of September.
A Santo Entierro picture of Lumban Church
Picture of Crucified Christ
The doorway gate to Lumban Church
Positioned close to the church is the Municipal Corridor which seems to be like a well-preserved heritage home.
This put up is a part of my Laguna Pilgrimage sequence 2022: Be at liberty to test the remainder of my entries right here:
Additionally be at liberty to go to my articles about these Laguna church buildings
Locations to go to in Laguna
