Barasoain Church aka Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish
Barasoain Church aka Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish is a Roman Catholic church built in 1630 in Barasoain, Malolos City, Bulacan. Having earned the title as the Cradle of Democracy in the East, the most important religious building in the Philippines, and the site of the First Philippine Republic, the Church is proverbial for its historical importance among Filipinos.
Founded by Augustinian Missionaries in 1859, the church is also renowned for its architectural design and internal adornments. The original church was burned during the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution however, it was renovated. It is about 42 kilometers away from Manila.
The facade of the Barasoain Church with the convent at the right side.
The church recorded some of the important events occurred in the country. While it served as a temporary residence of General Emilio Aguinaldo, three major events in Philippine History took place in this church: the convening of the First Philippine Congress (September 15, 1898), the drafting of the Malolos Constitution (September 29, 1898 to January 21, 1899), and the inauguration of the First Philippine Republic (January 23, 1899). By Presidential Decree No. 260 , the church was proclaimed as a National Shrine by President Ferdinand Marcos on August 1, 1973. Unusual for newly elected presidents in the Philippines, the church has been a venue in an inaugural affairs. General Emilio Aguinaldo and former president Joseph Estrada were the only two who has been inaugurated in the place.
History
Historic Barasoain used to be independent from Malolos and this explains the presence of a stone church here. The Parish Church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel had its first stone edifice in 1871 to replace a temporary one but was burned later. In 1885, the current structure was started while the belltower was constructed in 1889. The church was the scene of the proclamation of Philippine Independence and recently, where Joseph Estrada took his oath of office.
The facade has Neo-Classic touches and its rounded pediment is echoed by the arches and rose or Catherine window at the lower part.
The term "Barasoain" was derived from the Filipino word "baras ng suwail", which means "dungeon of the defiant".
Barasoain Church was founded by Augustinian Missionaries. Built on the 1630, the original church was destroyed in a fire on 1884 prompting various renovations. However, the structure itself was very similar to the Church during the Spanish era.
The church consists of two structures, the church and an adjoining convent. While the left outside of the Church is a medieval bell tower, the entrance of which has bamboo arches linings and its sides are rose windows. Its architectural design is simple however, it has paintings in its slats of woods ceilings and domes which makes it look bigger than its actual size. The altar in the inside has glimmering lights despite the church's historical reputation. Even the altar is painted with gold together with the columns. Aside of which, floral motifs, frescoes of angels and saints embellish the interior of the Church.
Founded by Augustinian Missionaries in 1859, the church is also renowned for its architectural design and internal adornments. The original church was burned during the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution however, it was renovated. It is about 42 kilometers away from Manila.
The facade of the Barasoain Church with the convent at the right side.
The church recorded some of the important events occurred in the country. While it served as a temporary residence of General Emilio Aguinaldo, three major events in Philippine History took place in this church: the convening of the First Philippine Congress (September 15, 1898), the drafting of the Malolos Constitution (September 29, 1898 to January 21, 1899), and the inauguration of the First Philippine Republic (January 23, 1899). By Presidential Decree No. 260 , the church was proclaimed as a National Shrine by President Ferdinand Marcos on August 1, 1973. Unusual for newly elected presidents in the Philippines, the church has been a venue in an inaugural affairs. General Emilio Aguinaldo and former president Joseph Estrada were the only two who has been inaugurated in the place.
History
Historic Barasoain used to be independent from Malolos and this explains the presence of a stone church here. The Parish Church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel had its first stone edifice in 1871 to replace a temporary one but was burned later. In 1885, the current structure was started while the belltower was constructed in 1889. The church was the scene of the proclamation of Philippine Independence and recently, where Joseph Estrada took his oath of office.
The facade has Neo-Classic touches and its rounded pediment is echoed by the arches and rose or Catherine window at the lower part.
The term "Barasoain" was derived from the Filipino word "baras ng suwail", which means "dungeon of the defiant".
Barasoain Church was founded by Augustinian Missionaries. Built on the 1630, the original church was destroyed in a fire on 1884 prompting various renovations. However, the structure itself was very similar to the Church during the Spanish era.
The church consists of two structures, the church and an adjoining convent. While the left outside of the Church is a medieval bell tower, the entrance of which has bamboo arches linings and its sides are rose windows. Its architectural design is simple however, it has paintings in its slats of woods ceilings and domes which makes it look bigger than its actual size. The altar in the inside has glimmering lights despite the church's historical reputation. Even the altar is painted with gold together with the columns. Aside of which, floral motifs, frescoes of angels and saints embellish the interior of the Church.
Philippine revolution
Opening of the Malolos Congress at the Barasoain Church, Malolos, Bulacan on September 15, 1898
During the Philippine revolution, Barasoain serves as the haven of the Congreso Revolucionario assembled inside the Church with the ilustrados as its delegates and Gen. Aguinaldo as the leader.
Two days later, the Filipino Republic (also called the First Republic and Malolos Republic) was inaugurated inside the Church with Aguinaldo as president.
Philippine bill issue
During the Philippine revolution, Barasoain serves as the haven of the Congreso Revolucionario assembled inside the Church with the ilustrados as its delegates and Gen. Aguinaldo as the leader.
Two days later, the Filipino Republic (also called the First Republic and Malolos Republic) was inaugurated inside the Church with Aguinaldo as president.
Philippine bill issue
Before 1998, the image of the church has been used in certain monetary bills like the ten-peso Philippine bill together with an image of Apolinario Mabini and Andres Bonifacio on the other side. However, it was replaced by a ten-peso coin without the representation of the church.
There was a joke about the Barasoain Church. One may ask, where can one find the cat at the Barasoain Church? Of course, there wasnt any cat featured on the bill and the answer is, the cat is hiding behind the Barasoain Church.
Last Sunday, I went to Barasoain Church for the second time. My first time was during last 2000 together with my clanmates- Annalyn, my best friend from Hagonoy together with her boyfriend then and husband now, Christopher, Joseph- my boyfriend then, Owen, Bond et al. I am still looking for the pics and will post them here too.
Last Sunday, I went to Barasoain Church for the second time. My first time was during last 2000 together with my clanmates- Annalyn, my best friend from Hagonoy together with her boyfriend then and husband now, Christopher, Joseph- my boyfriend then, Owen, Bond et al. I am still looking for the pics and will post them here too.
The sky then turned gloomy and dark clouds appear. Signs of a heavy downpour coming. It didnt stop me from going as I have to get there for the 111th Philippine Independence Day celebration.
I took a jeepney from the Royal Mall in Tollgate Malinta exit and as I alighted at the Bocaue exit, I suddenly saw a jeep bound for Malolos. I thought that this is faster than traversing Mac Arthur highway, so off I went.
I was surprised to see a big development over the Malolos crossing, There was a fly over. The Greenwich was still there and the area now is more spacious. I boarded a mini jeepney or private one which is PUJ actually and alighted to Barasoain Church.
I was fortunate that the six oclock mass will start a few minutes more. I started to shoot the facade and the bell tower and the historical landmarks of the church. After that, I went inside as the mass will begin.
I noticed that my favourite wooden pulpit gilded with flowers are still there and painted immaculately white.
