heritage series: churches in arayat
TRANSCRIPT
From Sta. Ana town, we proceeded to Arayat, still in Pampanga andland of the fabled enchantress Maria Sinukuan. At the town proper sitsSta. Catalina Church, a Renaissance- style edifice that is both a sentineland an architectural treasure.
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HERITAGE SERIES: VISITAIGLESIA IN ARAYAT,PAMPANGAOCTOBER 22, 2016 | IVAN JOSE | 6 COMMENTS
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Sta. Catalina de Alejandria Church
Construction of the church began in the 1700s. Over the centuries, itsexteriors have undergone alterations which gave the church itspresent design. It had a multi-level belfry and elaborate frontage witharchways that enclose cross-shaped widows. Although the walls arepainted, there is no doubting the building’s old age.
A Virgin Martyr
The Church was named in honor of Sta. Catalina de Alejanria (St.Catherine of Alexandria), an important virgin martyr who was put todeath by ancient pagan rulers because she refused to give up herChristianity. Legend had it that when her body was discovered in Mt.Sinai after centuries, it had growing hair and gave out a stream ofhealing oil.
The town of Arayat
Arayat is one of the oldest settlements in Pampanga. It was establishedalong the fertile banks of the Rio Grande de Pampanga (GreatPampanga River) and is most known for its iconic landmark — Mt.Arayat, an extinct stratovolcano that is also a popular hikingdestination and national park. It was in its forests where the legend ofa long-haired ethereal beauty that is Maria Sinukuan came to be.According to folklore, the nymph is the guardian of the woodland. Oneday, a group of greedy men picked fruits and hunted animals
excessively, much more than what they needed and without thepermission of Maria. As punishment, Maria turned them into wildboards. When the townsfolk also became excessive and selfish, Mariastopped bringing food to their doorsteps and refused to show herselfthereafter.
San Isidro Labrador Parish
On our way to Nueva Ecija, we stopped by San Isidro Labrador Church(St. Isidore the laborer), named after the patron saint of farmers.
San Isidro Labrador Church
Located at Barangay Kaledian (Camba), it was a small, modern buildingwith contemporary lines and interiors. The church reminded us of thecharming, slow-paced life in small provincial towns.
After our prayer, we were back on the road to Nueva Ecija.