THE Parish of Saint Mary Magdalene in Hinigaran, Negros Occidental will unveil its newly-restored retablo (main altar) at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday after a thanksgiving concert for the benefactors and donors.

It will be blessed the next day, July 22, which is the feast day of Saint Mary Magdalene.

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The original retablo was constructed in 1848 but it was demolished for a modern one in the 1970s.

According to Rev. Fr. Gregorio Q. Patiño, parish priest, a group of balikbayans paid a visit to the church last year and was surprised that the beautiful retablo decorated with silver linings was gone. They felt sad about it and asked why it was demolished and will it be restored?

“For them, the retablo had a sentimental value because it was a big part of their spiritual growth,” Fr. Patiño added.

After a series of meetings and consultations, the Magdala Retablo Restoration Movement was created. It was launched on July 22, 2008, also the feast day of Saint Mary Magdalene, with the blessings of Bishop Vicente M. Navarra, D.D.

Meanwhile, the feast of Saint Mary Magdalene this year will be celebrated at 9 a.m. after a solemn procession around the town at 7:30 a.m.

Rev. Fr. Dimitri Gatia will be the main celebrant while Rev. Fr. Ronald Quijano will be the preacher. The retablo will be blessed by Rev. Fr. Ernesto Magillano.