Tuesday, April 28, 2015

San Pedro de Alcantara Church in Pakil Laguna



San Pedro de Alcantara Church

The San Pedro de Alcantara Church of Pakil, Laguna was built in 1684, is one of the best preserved in Laguna. It stands as a fine example of colonial baroque architecture with its curlicue stonework and cherubs on the facade.

  
In 1788, the Virgin of Turumba was enshrined in this church that has survived great calamities. It was burned in 1851 along with the rectory but was repaired on the same year. It survived two earthquakes, in 1881 and in 1937. The church is now a major attraction. Its main altar is graced by 14 icons, each housed in an elaborately carved niche, with the Archangel Michael erring above the others.


San Pedro de Alcantara Church is noted not only for being a pilgrimage and heritage church, but also for its architectural details that fascinate Architecture & History students, as well as photo enthusiasts.

 

Turumba Pool



The Turumba swimming pools, also known as Nuestra Señora de los Dolores de Turumba and the Doña Aurora A. Quezon swimming pool is a source of livelihood and income for the local government and the local population. It is also the main source of potable water and irrigation. In the olden days it was a swampy place where tuber and ferns grew in abundance. It was only in 1732 when Fr. Fernando de Haro supervised the clearing of the place during the construction of the church. During the worst drought in 1771, Fr. Juan Valladeras enclosed the spring and constructed the irrigation canals up to Sambal River, which was completed on 1804. In 1924, the big stone at the center of the spring was crushed and the remains can still be seen beneath the main pool. No one knows how the turumba originated. Even the meaning of the word is not known. The legend tells us that a fisherman miraculously found a framed oil painting of Our Lady of Sorrows floating on the waters of the lagoon. The parish priest was then informed of this wondrous image. As the priest reverently approached the image the people started to dance and sing. Amidst much rejoicing the Image was carried to the church where the people joyously welcomed it with the ringing of the church bells.


Locals attested also to stories of Our Lady being seen in the past, walking across the water of the Turumba pool. It is said that devotees bathed seven times at the Turumba pool to share in the seven sorrows of Our Lady.

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Way point direction via Rizal: Link

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