0
A 200-year-old church in Ilocos Norte has been closed after it was deemed unsafe, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines said Tuesday.
The church of Saint Anne in Piddig town was deemed "unsafe" as early as last September 14, the CBCP said on its news site.
Fr. Ericson Josue, the Commission Head of the Church Heritage of the diocese, said the churchs foundation has been discovered to be ‘weak’ to carry the massive walls, the edifice.
In the meantime, he said churchgoers could worship at a provisional church within the parish compound.
"No more liturgical functions in this edifice as decreed by (Laoag Bishop Renato Mayugba),” he added.
Meanwhile, diocese spokesman Fr. Joey Ranjo said the building "will be kept that way and its historical value remains.”
Raising millions
The CBCP said local residents may be challenged with raising millions of pesos to renovate and repair the church, which was built in 1810 by the Augustinian missionaries.
Its first parish priest was Fr. Isidore Champaner.
The church building served as a refugee camp during the Philippine-American War and was razed during the Japanese occupation.
Its facade and the interiors underwent restoration in 1963.
The church of Saint Anne in Piddig town was deemed "unsafe" as early as last September 14, the CBCP said on its news site.
Fr. Ericson Josue, the Commission Head of the Church Heritage of the diocese, said the churchs foundation has been discovered to be ‘weak’ to carry the massive walls, the edifice.
In the meantime, he said churchgoers could worship at a provisional church within the parish compound.
"No more liturgical functions in this edifice as decreed by (Laoag Bishop Renato Mayugba),” he added.
Meanwhile, diocese spokesman Fr. Joey Ranjo said the building "will be kept that way and its historical value remains.”
Raising millions
The CBCP said local residents may be challenged with raising millions of pesos to renovate and repair the church, which was built in 1810 by the Augustinian missionaries.
Its first parish priest was Fr. Isidore Champaner.
The church building served as a refugee camp during the Philippine-American War and was razed during the Japanese occupation.
Its facade and the interiors underwent restoration in 1963.
