Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles John Brown led the recent canonical coronation of the image of Our Lady of the Assumption at the Assumption of Our Lady Shrine Parish (Dauis Church) in Dauis, Bohol.
Local government officials and representatives from the National Museum of the Philippines attended the ceremony which coincided with the unveiling of the marker designating the church as a National Cultural Treasure.
The canonical coronation of the Marian image was the first in Bohol. It was held on Aug. 14, on the eve of the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
In his message, Tagbilaran Bishop Alberto Uy said the Lord continues to impart His perfect plan amid the challenges and difficulties.
To recall, the Dauis Church was among 25 heritage churches in Bohol that was severely damaged by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck in Oct. 2013.
“On hindsight, this is what a damaging 7.2 magnitude earthquake on Oct. 15, 2013 gifted us with: the restoration of our heritage churches so dear to every Boholano, for they are jewels on our crown. God brings the greatest good out of every deprivation or evil. Indeed, His perfect will always achieves his perfect plan. After all, our work of heritage restoration is still God’s work,” said Bishop Uy over Radio Veritas.
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) turned over the church to the diocese in 2018 upon completion of the restoration work.
In 2011, the parish church including the whole complex was declared as a National Cultural Treasure. It boasts of neo-gothic and neo-classical architecture.
Built by the Jesuits in 1697, the current structure was erected in 1863 and was completed in 1923.
Bishop Uy expressed his gratitude to the faithful of Bohol for all their prayers and support to the parish.
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts said the country has 130 churches that have been declared as National Cultural Treasures, Important Cultural Properties, and National Historical Landmarks. Twenty of these churches may be found in Bohol.