Book on ‘Pisamban Maragul’ launched

ANGELES CITY -- Love for cultural heritage, piety, generosity. These endearing virtues of Angelenos made it possible for Curia Sancti Rosarii, Inc. (CSRI) a non-government organization affiliated with Holy Rosary Parish (HRP) of Angeles City, to produce a coffee table book which was launched yesterday at the Holy Rosary Parish Hall.

The book, “Pisamban Maragul: The Living Church of Angeles City,” tells the story and history of the Holy Rosary Parish of Angeles City in narratives and images pieced together from oral recollections of Angeles folks coupled with centuries-old handwritten accounts by early chroniclers and parish priests. Edited by Nina L. B. Tomen in collaboration with Bishop Pablo Virgilio S. David, D.D., the book features contributions from local writers and researchers including Daniel Henson Dizon, a descendant of Angeles City’s founders; archaeologists Joel Pabustan Mallari and Charlene Manese Pangilinan; poet Aida Aguas; and Joy L. Cruz, Executive Director of Kuliat Foundation, Inc. among others. Photographers Jing Torno and Lucio Sison of Museo ning Angeles took the lead in capturing captivating images of Pisamban Maragul and the Angeleño community.

“The book looks at Pisamban Maragul (literally a huge church), not just as a church structure but as a living church – a community that prays together and grows together in faith and service to society,” says editor Tomen. Tomen has written and edited a number of books about Kapampangan church heritage including Kuraldal Atlung Ari of Sasmuan and Libad Bangka of Apalit; Santiago Apostol Church of Betis; and more recently, Apung Mamacalulu of Angeles City.

Among the highlights of the coffee table book are the reminiscences of parish elders, the documentation of the parish’s cultural heritage, and the history of Holy Rosary Parish from the time it began as a capellan (a chapel under Parroquia de San Fernando) in 1812 to the time it became a full-pledged parish in 1829, on to the war years until the modern era. A significant part of the book explores the concept of creating new heritage in the church which merges the principles of heritage conservation with heritage creation. Featured in this section are the newly-renovated structures and newly-introduced rituals that have the potential to be considered heritage pieces in the future.

“This book is our way of making people love and appreciate their church better and the role they play in building it – not just the edifice but the community,” says Bishop David, Parish Priest of Holy Rosary Parish. “Last year, we launched the I Love HRP campaign with the tagline I Am. I Love. I Serve. Before love can grow, one has to know more about what he or she seeks to love. Service is a fruit of this love.” In a number of articles, Bishop David shares his thoughts about the community he leads – its virtues, its treasures, its unique characteristics.

“Pisamban Maragul: The Living Church of Angeles City” is available at the Holy Rosary Parish Office from December 27 to January 18, 2015. The book will be available at a discounted price. Regular price after the Christmas season is P 1,500.00.

“This is not a fundraising project,” says Bishop David. “It is really a gift of nostalgia, our tribute to the pious and generous parishioners of HRP. It is also the perfect Christmas gift for cultural heritage lovers and advocates."

This year, Holy Rosary Parish is celebrating its 185th year of proclamation as a parish. (Sun.Star Pampanga)

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