After witnessing the great thing about the Betis Church in Guagua (Verify: Santiago Apostol Parish / Betis Church), we had a prolonged drive going to the city of Arayat. Devoted beneath the patronage of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, the Arayat Church was in-built 1753.
Arayat is without doubt one of the oldest cities in Pampanga however there are a number of theories surrounding its origin. Some theories recommend that the time period Arayat is derived from the phrase “dayat” or “dayatan” which suggests irrigation of rice lands throughout the dry season in Kapampangan. Nevertheless, some theories state that the time period got here from one other native phrase “arayat” which suggests “to the east” the place the place is positioned with its lovely mountain referred to as Bunduk Alaya or japanese mountain. The time period Arayat each as a settlement and a mountain emerged from the time period alaya when the Spaniards first got here to the Philippines within the sixteenth century. Mt. Arayat grew to become a preferred and majestic landmark additionally referred to as Mt. Sinukuan after a Kapampangan legendary god by the identify of Aring Sinukuan.
There are additionally historian information suggesting that the city’s identify got here from an encomendero named Fernando de Arayat who got here from a sure Arayat village in Spain and ultimately settled within the city. There may be one other concept claiming that town was based by prince Balatagas of the Madjaphit empire. Whereas there isn’t any particular date on when the city was established, it’s clear that Arayat is without doubt one of the cities in Pampanga which has thrived between the 14th and sixteenth centuries forward of the Spanish conquest.
The church was named in honor of Santa Catalina de Alejandria, a virgin martyr who was put to dying by historical pagan rulers as a result of she refused to surrender her Christianity.
The outside of Arayat Church is a placing instance of Renaissance-style structure. It has a easy facade characterised by a multi-level design that includes a frontal arcade on the second stage.
The pediment showcases a blind pointed archway that frames a small semicircular arched window, topped by a superimposed gabled airplane. A picture of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, the church’s patron saint, is prominently displayed on the portico
The bell tower, initially that includes chamfered corners and a domical roof, has been modified over time and now reveals intersecting gable roofs. T
Whereas the unique stone façade has been lined with cement and painted in off-white and grayish tones, the construction retains its historic allure and continues to be a big architectural and cultural landmark within the area.
Final yr, nevertheless, the church had a significant repainting of its exterior which garnered combined reactions from parishioners and the heritage sector.
Previous to the intense yellow facade, we noticed the protecting palitada of its belfry was already eliminated to disclose the stone utilized in its development.
Curiously, this brilliant coloration scheme just isn’t actually unusual. There are lots of church buildings within the nation sporting the identical coat. As an example, the Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in Nueva Ecija has the identical coloration scheme. Quiapo Church, Our Girl of Manaoag, Our Girl of Mount Carmel Parish in Batangas, and Iba Cathedral, all share the identical shade.
The inside of the church, then again, showcases a harmonious mix of inventive and architectural components that mirror its wealthy historical past and Renaissance affect.
One of the placing options inside is the extremely intricate retablo. It has three massive niches with the picture of Saint Catherine enshrined within the center. The opposite two niches are seemingly devoted to Saint Aloysius Gonzaga and Saint Jude Thaddeus. Sadly, these niches are lined once we acquired there.
A bone relic of Saint Catherine of Alexandria
You too can spot a Confessional that matches the design of its altars
Intricate particulars of the retablo mayor
Some processional pictures had been displayed once we get there.
Mater Dolorosa
Holy Cross
San Pedro
A grotto of Immaculate Coronary heart of Mary outdoors the church
This Put up is a part of my Pampanga Pilgrimage sequence. Be at liberty to revisit my earlier articles right here
