Borongan Cathedral Explained

Borongan Cathedral
Fullname:Cathedral Parish of the Nativity of Our Lady
Pushpin Map:Visayas#Philippines
Pushpin Label Position:top
Map Caption:Location in the Visayas##Location in the Philippines
Coordinates:11.6072°N 125.4326°W
Location:Borongan, Eastern Samar
Country:Philippines
Denomination:Roman Catholic
Founded Date:1710
Dedication:Nativity of Our Lady
Consecrated Date:1710
Status:Cathedral
Functional Status:Active
Architectural Type:Church building
Style:Baroque
Completed Date:1710, 1781, 1853, 1873, 1887, 1950, 1962
Demolished Date:1773
Archdiocese:Palo
Diocese:Borongan
Bishop:Crispin Barrete Varquez

The Cathedral Parish of the Nativity of Our Lady (Waray: Parokya-Katedral han Matawo han Birhen Maria), commonly known as Borongan Cathedral (Waray: Katedral han Borongan), is a Roman Catholic cathedral in the city of Borongan, Eastern Samar, Philippines. It is the seat of the Diocese of Borongan.[1]

History

Father Francisco Diez built the original church in 1710 in honor of the Blessed Virgin of Nativity. Franciscan priests transferred the church administration in 1768 to the Jesuits. In 1773, it was consumed by fire. It was rebuilt and enlarged under the direction of Father Roque de Osma in 1781. A round bell tower was added in 1853 by Father Juan Navarette. The design of the church was made in the shape of a cross by Father Antonio Sanchez in 1873. In 1887, Father Arsenio Figueroa changed the roof and was replaced with a sink or metal. In 1939, Franciscan priests transferred the administration of the church to its first Filipino parish priest, Father Francisco Palomeras, who added a second floor to the bell tower. In 1950, the third floor was built by Padre Potenciano Ortega.

In 1961, it became the seat and the cathedral of the Borongan Diocese. In 1962, it underwent a major transformation and expansion by the Reverend Vicente P. Reyes, D.D., the first bishop of Borongan. The only part of the old church that remains until today is the circular bell tower. In 1998, the NHI installed the historical marker of the cathedral.[1]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Borongan City, EASTERN SAMAR, EASTERN VISAYAS, Philippines . March 1, 2021 . GCatholic.