ADMINISTRATORS of the Archdiocesan Shrine of San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish in Barangay San Nicolas, Cebu City said they welcome further archaeological studies after human bones and artifacts were discovered in a construction site inside the parish compound last week.
Construction workers found them on the left side facing the church’s altar on Friday, May 7, 2021.
According to foreman Gerry Paragoso, almost all the areas they dug up contained bones.
Parish priest Msgr. Roger Fuentes said they’ve already coordinated with the Commission on the Cultural Heritage of the Church of the Archdiocese of Cebu and the Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission of Cebu City, which visited the site and examined the bones and artifacts.
The San Nicolas parish was established in 1584 and is the second oldest parish in Cebu.
Fuentes said the discovery was not something unusual.
He said the artifacts, mostly tisa (roof tiles) and coral stones, are probably what remain of the original church. He also said there used to be a cemetery in the area.
He said occupying Japanese forces had used the parish as a garrison before it was destroyed by American bombing.
He said some of the coral stones will be put on display at the Cathedral Museum, while the others will be displayed at the museum the parish plans to build.
The bones will be buried in the Calamba Public Cemetery after these are blessed.
Meanwhile, Fuentes said the building under construction will house the Center for the Poor.
The project initiated by the Korean religious congregation Kkottongnae was given the go signal by the archdiocese to use the vacant lot of the parish.
Once finished, the center will serve as a place where feeding and other programs intended for the poor will take place. (WBS)