STA. RITA, Pampanga -- The Museo ning Santa Rita, which is housed in the century-old rectory building of the Santa Rita de Cascia Parish Church, is still closed to the public as of press time after the 6.1 magnitude quake hit Pampanga in April.
Annabelle Abinales, out-going director of the museum, said the closure was recommended to fully assess the needed restorations in the said building. Some old wooden beams and support of the said building had been dislocated during the recent earthquake. Abinales said that the museum is also in need of repairs and maintenance.
Abinales said it is now up to the incoming parish priest on what action to take to preserve the building.
The building, which was restored in 1994, now houses the historical artifacts, contemporary and antique images, as well as old furnishings of the church and its old rectory.
The facility also offers a tour of the church, which houses the first-class relic of Saint Rita. Tourists may also visit the recently restored bell tower of the parish, which is accessible through the museum.
The Museo ning Parokya nang Santa Rita de Cascia is located at the second floor of the old convent building attached to the old parish church.
The museum aims to promote the rich Catholic history of the town as well as promote the culture and traditions of the town in the light of the town’s history.
The museum was previously opened to the public and provided free tours from volunteers. The facility’s regular operations were mostly during the pilgrimage months of February to May.