A Glimpse of San Pedro y San Pablo Parish, Loboc, Bohol - before the earthquake :(

One of the churches that was declared National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum is the San Pedro y San Pablo Parish Church located at Loboc, Bohol. We were lucky that we were able to visit this church April of 2013 before the disastrous earthquake destroyed the church on the 15th of October, 2013.

Photo courtesy: http://photobento.wordpress.com/2012/06/23/churches-of-bohol/ But after the earthquake, this remains of the said church.

Photo Courtesy: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/510381/pedrito-dolls-relaunched-to-help-rebuild-bohol-churches

 This was supposed to be the oldest church in Bohol. It was built originally in the year 1602, but for some reason I actually don't know, it was reduced into ashes. Then again they built a stronger one on the year 1638.

 Here are some of the pictures we've taken last year;

This is a photo of me with my father, having the church's belfry on the background.

Inside the church we saw old paintings on the ceiling dating way many years back.

There is even this painting on the ceiling with the date Nov. 26, 1876 written on it. It dates back to a century ago.

This is the altar during the day;

Then, here's a photo of me showing the entrance of the church,

As you can see on the upper right portion of the picture, there is what we call as a pipe organ. This instrument also dates back to many years from now, and guess what, it is still capable of playing! :) from before the earthquake of course. I don't know what has become of it after the earthquake. :/

Here's a picture showing a pulpit, which for me is something new. I mean, I haven't seen any of these in any of the churches in Davao City. :3

For those who, like me, are still not familiar with the pulpit, Dictionary.com defines a pulpit as a platform or raised structure in a church, from which the sermon is delivered or the service is conducted. So basically, from what I was told, years ago, the priest goes to the pulpit when he says the homily.

It was used in the Holy Bible only once;

Nehemiah 8:4 "And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattihiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zecharariah, and Meshullam."

In my opinion, it is used so that the people would find it easier to listen to the priest. In Mt. 5:1, even though Jesus did not use a pulpit, He went up on a mountain to deliver his sermon.

Anyway, that is just for additional information. Personally, I still need more research on the use of pulpits to understand it fully.

On the other hand, it really broke my heart when I heard of the earthquake. Other religion or maybe even some of my fellow Catholics may call this as a punishment from God, but no. I strongly, firmly and absolutely believe with all my faith that this is not a punishment from God. I don't know about you, but I could not worship a God who punishes millions of innocent people for the sins of a few. Rather, I worship a God who wills fullness for the life of all. I worship a God full of love and mercy. How about you? Do you worship a punishing God?