"Dungaw" Revived
After more than a hundred years, the Recollect Fathers revived the forgotten tradition of Quiapo - Dungaw. Dungaw is part of the original translacion according to the research of the Cultural Affairs of Office of the San Sebastian Church. It signifies the meeting of Mary and Jesus while carrying the cross. | |
Stolen Heritage of Pampanga Recovered
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Last 30th of December 2013, the centuries-old, ivory image of Santo Niño de Consolacion y Correa of Betis, Pampanga was stolen. The said image was stolen after the morning procession, aroun 3-3:30PM. In less than a month, the said image was recovered by a known ecclesiastical art restorer, Tom Joven. Seen below is the Official Statement of the Archdiocesan Commission on Church Heritage (ACCH) - Archdiocese of San Fernando on the Recovery of the Stolen Image of Infant Jesus of Betis ------------------------------------------ The image of Betis Church’s Infant Jesus that was taken from Virgen de la Correa’s embrace in the afternoon of December 30, 2013, has been recovered with the help of renowned ecclesiastical art restorer Tom Joven. Joven, who heads the Parish Pastoral Council of San Guillermo Parish of Bacolor and who also serves as member of the Tangible Heritage Committee of ACCH, reported his find to diocesan church authorities as the image surfaced in the antiques market, days after it was reported to be missing. |
ACCH denounces the theft and trafficking of stolen religious icons and other church treasures. In recent years, this illegal trade has been carried out with alarming boldness and shamelessness. In cases like this, some unscrupulous entities are bound to make easy money. It is most unfortunate that they choose to ignore the fact that what make religious icons priceless and precious are the historical, cultural and spiritual meanings that Catholic devotees attach to such symbols of their faith.
ACCH commits itself to helping curb the illegal trade of stolen religious icons and other church treasures. We vow to cooperate with authorities to minimize the threat of losing more church goods to thieves. In this regard, we enjoin all parishes of the Archdiocese of San Fernando to:
1. Undertake a parish-wide inventory and documentation of all church goods and properties;
2. Institute security measures (e.g. installation of CCTV cameras/alarms or hiring of security guards) that can help deter theft of these goods;
3. Remind parishioners to be more vigilant in protecting the material treasures/tangible heritage of their respective parishes;
Our gratitude to antique collectors, media entities, netizens, heritage workers,and to everyone who offered leads and prayers, and who helped spread the word about the theft of the image.
(Photos show the recovered ivory parts of the Niño Jesus del Virgen de la Correa of Betis with ecclesiastical art restorer Tom Joven who helped get back the image.)