The Church of Asingan:
The Church of Asingan (2013)
Facade of the Church of Asingan, St Louis Bertrand Parish Church
About the Church of Asingan:
On March 16, 1892 an earthquake left the church with some horizontal cracks. But the church was still usable for worship. Then in 1898, General Makabulos of the KKK (Kagalang galangang, Kataastaasang Katipunan) organized some secret groups in Pangasinan. It is written that during this year, Binalonan, San Manuel and Asingan were captured by the KKK. It must have been during this period that the Asingan convent (the biggest convent in Eastern Pangasinan at that time) was razed to the ground by a Katipunero named Agustin Alejo.
In 1947, Rev. Jose Macaraeg renovated the church in preparation for the second post war celebration of Christ the King in Pangasinan. Thus in October 1947, the faithful from entire Pangasinan, and also the towns of Lupao and Cuyapo in Nueva Ecija and other towns like Camiling and Gerona in Tarlac converged in Asingan for a huge celebration. At that time, these towns are still part of the Diocese of Lingayen.
On July 16, 1990, an intensity 8 earthquake rendered the church useless. Whole walls came down. Masses were held outdoors. But Asinganians from all over the world (even those from other denominations) pitched in their financial help for the restoration of the church. Thus, on October 10, 1993, which is celebrated in Asingan as the feast day of their Patron Saint St. Louis Beltran, the reconstructed church was opened to all Asinganians for the first time. This first Mass was concelebrated by Fr. Jesus Galang, D.D. Asingan Parish Priest Msgr. Marlo Peralta and assistant Parish Priest Benjamin Mangonon.
The parishioners were honored in April 23, 1995 when President Fidel Ramos came to his hometown to see the new church. Msgr. Peralta acknowledged before the congregation the presence of the former President of the Philippines. (Saint Louis Bertrand Church – The Role It Played in History by Jane Dacumos)
Other Pictures of the Church:
-
- The Church of Asingan (2013)
Pinoy Churches 