San. Diego de Alcala Cathedral Gumaca Quezon

    

San Diego de Alcala Cathedral in Gumaca Quezon

  Sandiego de Alcala Cathedral is the pride of Gumaquenos. It is the corner stone of the Catholicism in the town of Gumaca and its neighboring town for it is one of the oldest church which was built in Quezon province during the Spanish period. It is a landmark that witnessed the faith of Gumaqueno`s through thick and thin. But like the Gumaquenos the edifice was also tested by time.

     The church was built by Franciscan Missionaries back in 1582 and was burned by Dutch invaders in 1665. The recovery was not that easy because the people of Gumaca have waited for almost 181 years to see the beloved cathedral reconstructed in 1886. But it`s bad misfortune does not end there for it was partially burned again in early 1900`s it was reconstructed and was severely damaged by a devastating earthquake back in 1937 leaving its upper most part destroyed. It was reconstructed in 1947 and was completed in 1999 with a choir loft added to its structure. It goes through a further development and renovation in 2002 before it became a beautiful cathedral as we observe today.

  

             Located in Brgy.  Sandiego Poblacion, the Cathedral boastfully stands, adding its beauty, at the same time spreading its vibration of holiness to the ever-faithful town proper of Gumaca Quezon. Its firm and tall belfry is a symbol of strength for the town folks, sending its melodic and sometimes thundering chime of ‘ding-dongs’ telling its people to remember their spiritual duties and renew the sacrament.

     The Cathedral can be considered as one of the biggest in the region which can cater a seat to almost two thousands faithful Catholics. Despite its immenseness, we can see it full during Sunday masses.

       Its long aisle can be compared to those of the baroque`s which is lighted by glistening chandeliers. The set up and decoration of the ceiling gives an impression of being on a Spanish Cathedral with its simple yet intricate designs. It can give a bride a striking impression of grandeur during a wedding. 

The Retablo of San Diego De Alcala Cathedral

    Its interior is largely an impressive work of architecture, which is decorated with catholic memorabilia and sculptures. The tainted-glasses depict some important scenes from the bible that can make one remember the foundations of Catholicism and ponder deeply on its evangelical messages. 

    

    The cathedral also possesses a baptistery, a confession room, and a cloister and a catholic school adjacent to it.    

    

    The landscape around the cathedral is also remarkable, with its greeneries and spacious patio decorated with depictions of sculpted biblical scenes and well-carved figure of saints and other important Christian characters.     

     If you found your itchy foot traveling to the south, do not deprive yourself of a visit to a magnificent San Diego De Alcala Cathedral, which is really a place to see and is worth stopping by.

Lawrence Avillano - 2016