PAINTINGS on the CEILING
September 26, 2013, I entered the right side of the Kasilak Church, stopped by the entrance, and gazed at the entire view inside the church. I then went to the altar and knelt before the tabernacle. As I turned back, I saw the magnificent view of the aisle and paintings above. I went to the left side of the church and took pictures of each painting on the ceiling. As I looked at each painting, I remember how amazed my young mind was. I often wondered how these paintings were beautifully done. They truly depict our life and journey with our creator. Some paintings depict the holy sacraments, the mysteries of the rosary, and other biblical events.
As I went outside, I remembered how we climbed the edges of the church’s windows, playing while a mass was going on. I then proceeded to the main entrance and took pictures of the grand view of pews lined up towards the altar. The entrance to the bell tower was inviting but I was too afraid of stories that the stairway is already unstable and weak. I opted to return home while reassuring myself to come back and take more pictures from different angles.
But on October 15, 2013, the unimaginable happened. The entire church was reduced to rubble by a devastating earthquake. I was stunned as news quickly spread about the fate of the church just minutes after the tremor. Memories of the church flashed in my mind – all those memorable and treasured events that transpired inside the church – now in memory. We were all proud of our church, the biggest in the entire province, yet reduced to dust and stones.
As a tribute, I am planning to publish a piece of work dedicated in memory of the old church and a portion thereof will be donated for its continuous rebuilding. It will rekindle memories that the new church has to offer. The old and new church should not be compared to each other. They have their own significance that is embedded in everyone’s hearts. My work would be a present to the future generations for them to appreciate the grandeur of the Our Lady of Light Church.
Even in this pandemic, the parishioners are generous to support the completion of the Church. May the light of mother Mary radiate and pierce thru adversities brought about by the virus. Her light will ultimately overcome all hardships.