Diocese’s newest heritage museum inaugurated

Diocese’s newest heritage museum inaugurated

Fr. Alfredo E. Meneses, Jr., 139th parish priest heads the inauguration of Museo de Santa Maria Magdalena held at the old convent of the Parish of St. Mary Magdalene, Imatong, Pueblo de Pililla, Rizal, Dec. 17, 2017. JAYZON CAPISTRANO

PILILLA, Rizal – In celebration of the third Sunday of Advent or Gaudete Sunday, the Parish of St. Mary Magdalene, Imatong, Pueblo de Pililla, Rizal inaugurated on Dec. 17 the Museo de Santa Maria Magdalena, the parish’s new church heritage museum.

In his introductory speech, Fr. Alfredo E. Meneses, Jr., incumbent parish priest, said efforts for the preservation of the parish’s antique treasures started in the time Fr. Reynante U. Tolentino, its 136th parish priest. The former convent at the right side of the parish has since become a heritage museum.

Some of the featured antiques in the museum’s collection are images of the Franciscan saints and local patrons, silver liturgical items, antique vessels, and liturgical objects used during the Tridentine Mass, among others.

Pililla, a town in Southeastern Rizal, was one of the bastions of the Catholic faith at the height of Franciscan missionary activity during the Spanish era. Hence, throughout much of its history, the parish collected a number of antique images and furnishings, many of which can no longer be displayed in the church due to decay.

According to Meneses, despite the considerable time it took to document and catalogue the items, it will be well worth it for the sake of future generations. “It was important for the parish community of Pililla, especially the youth to see how important it is for them to realize the role of the Church in guiding the people, from then until now,” he explained.

With the addition of Museo de Santa Maria Magdalena, the Diocese of Antipolo now has a parish-based museum aside from the gallery featuring the treasures of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo City.

Among those who attended the inauguration were Pililla Mayor Dan V. Masinsin, Pililla Councilor for Culture and Tourism Dindo M. Abueg, officers of the Parish Pastoral Council and Parish Finance Council and invited guests.

For inquiries or requests for museum tours, interested parties may contact St. Mary Magdalene Parish, Pililla, Rizal: Tel. No. 02-654-2881 or send a message to the parish Facebook page Saint Mary Magdalene Parish Pililla Official (@smmp.pilillarizal). Sem. Kendrick Ivan B. Panganiban / CBCP News