By Christina Hermoso
Diocese of Tagbilaran, Bohol Bishop Alberto Uy has announced the completion of restoration and repair work on several historic churches in his diocese that were destroyed by a strong earthquake in 2013.
Tagbilaran, Bohol Bishop Alberto Uy (St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Jagna, Bohol / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
“We are very grateful to God for having helped us in the restoration of the churches that were damaged by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in 2013,” Uy said over Church-run Radio Veritas. “The faithful can now start to attend holy masses again in these churches.”
The following churches have opened their doors again to its parishioners: St. Isidore Parish in Tubigon, Assumption of Our Lady Parish in Dauis, St. Nicholas Parish in Dimiao, the Baclayon Church – Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Parish and Holy Trinity Parish in Loay, St. Vincent Parish in Calape, St. James Parish in Batuan, Sta. Monica Parish in Alburquerque, St. Augustine in Panglao, and St. Michael Parish in Clarin.
“We would like to express our gratitude for the support provided by the national government through the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and the National Museum since many of the affected churches had been declared as heritage churches. We would also like to thank the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for supporting the repair of the St. Michael Parish in Clarin,” Uy said.
“God has continued to support us by providing us with good people and the government that provided support in the restoration of our churches,” the bishop said.
Bishop Uy said repair and restoration work continues at the Our Lady of Light Parish in Loon, San Vicente Ferrer Parish in Maribojoc, Santo Niño Parish in Cortes, and at the century-old San Pedro Apostol Parish in Loboc. He said work on the churches is expected to be completed in two years.
Central Visayas was rocked by a strong earthquake on October 15, 2013, that killed about 200 people and destroyed more than P2 billion worth of properties.
“The earthquake was a reminder of our own frailties and limitations as humans. As humans, we don’t have a reason to be proud. But because we are all children of God, He will always be there to support us,” Uy said.