HRP Chandeliers: Beauty or Safety?

Last week, a rendition of the interior of the Holy Rosary Parish Church (HRPC) was circulated on social media by an eager member of the parish without the chandeliers in their proper places and caused a ruckus amongst the parishioners, especially the “donors.” 

What was to be a “for your eyes only” drawing became the talk of the town. 

The restoration work on the church started after the April 2019 earthquake that devastated parts of the country and also wrought damage to our beloved Pisamban Maragul.

The facade and some parts outside the church had been “cleaned” and restored to its original beauty since but more things have to be to its interior.

So what’s the fuss? 

According to the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC), there were a lot of things to consider during this restoration. First is to enhance the heritage value of the church and second is the safety of the parishioners. 

What’s in question are the old and heavy chandeliers that had been hanging after its major renovation in 1962. Will these still be in their old places or removed? 

“Through the years, structures tend to weaken, like me,” says Rev. Fr. Nolasco Fernandez, parish priest of the HRP. 

“I used to carry two cavans of rice (100 kilos). But old age caught up so I can’t do that anymore. But we still want to preserve the heritage value of our church so we will be asking the community what their sentiments are regarding the issue and renovation,” he said. 

For me, a compromise can be reached by making replicas of the chandeliers with the same design but using lighter materials and installing reinforcements on the ceiling. 

That would solve the problem.

So what will it be: Beauty? Safety Or both?

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The Kuliat Foundation Inc., which I’m currently heading, will hold monthly events at the Museo ning Angeles to celebrate the centennial of the old Municipal Building on October 16, 2022 which will be part of the Fiestang Kuliat celebration in the city. 

First on the list will be an exhibit showcasing “Fil-American Friendship” on July 4 until August 4, 2022. Artifacts from World War II will be on display during the month-long exhibit. 

There will also be tree-planting activities at the Sapangbato Watershed, Laban Banda-Banda Labanan, film showing, a Marian Exhibit which will all culminate in October with a cultural night, a food bazaar, blessing and ribbon-cutting of the “Old Municipio” with former mayors and their families.

Watch out for more exciting events at the Museo ning Angeles.