THE Metropolitan Cathedral of San Fernando was marked as an "important cultural property" on December 11, 2021 after the National Museum of the Philippines recognized it as possessing “exceptional cultural, artistic and/or historical significance.”
The marker of historical significance was bestowed in time for the twin anniversaries of the edifice and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Fernando (RCASF). The day also marked the 73rd anniversary of the canonical establishment of the diocese and the anniversary of the cathedral’s dedication as a church.
San Fernando Archbishop Most Rev. Florentino Lavarias regarded this as a “day of thanksgiving” among all the members of the archdiocesan community.
“Ining kekatamung pami-pulung a ini, metung yang panaun ban kanita, balikdan ampon pasalamatan ing maulagang regalu a pigkalub ning Apung Ginu kekatamu. Ing kasalpantayanan ing sangkan obat mipupulung tamu keni, obat atin tamung Cathedral, manatili lang susuyu ring pari, obispu, relihiyosu, ding talasalpantaya,” he said.
(Our gathering is a time to look back at history and thanksgiving for the gift our Lord has given us. It is faith that we are gathered now, on why we have a Cathedral where priests, bishops, the religious and faithful serve)
Top Pampanga church and government leaders led the celebrations, along with other representatives from nearby dioceses and sectors in the Central Luzon region.
A heritage conservation advocate himself, Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin graced the event on behalf of the City Government of san Fernando, citing the two institutions will surely be “taken care of.”
“The San Fernando community is so humbled that our Cathedral is now part of our country’s ‘treasures.’ Our generation is now assured -- our beloved church, our cathedral -- will be taken care of and passed on to the future generations to enjoy and to love,” said Lazatin in his message.
The City Tourism Office was looking forward to the increase in number of tourism activities and pilgrimages with the newly installed marker of the Cathedral, which is located near the public market and City Hall at Poblacion area in Sto. Rosario.
“We look forward to welcoming more religious tourists and pilgrims who want to visit the city and our Cathedral. With the marker, we are now in a better position to push for its heritage preservation,” said Ching Pangilinan, city tourism officer.
In 2018, the City Government also granted the cathedral a City Heritage Marker.
Mayor Edwin Santiago, then, said the church had been playing a vital role in the lives of Fernandinos.
The mayor also stressed that “its architectural beauty should be preserved.”
Upon RCASF’s 75th anniversary, the City Government will include more historical-related activities in the Cathedral premises, including the erection of a new marker from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. (JTD)