EXPLORING THE SPLENDOR OF BETIS CHURCH

"The baroque-inspired Betis Church was built around 1660 and it was headed by Father Jose de la Cruz. The preliminary structure was made out of light materials which was composed mainly of wood and stucco. Fire broke out within the church several times due to these light materials so it was finally built with concrete materials in 1770.In the last quarter of 19th century, Father Manuel Camañes dug an artesian well on the north-side of the church which served as a source of potable water not only for the Betis townsfolk, but to the other nearby towns as well. On the other hand, the present-day concrete fence with caryatids was built in the 2nd quarter of the 20th century.

In 1908, the rectory of the church was burned with fire and all the documents about baptism and other historical catalogues of the church turned into ashes.Beautification of the interior part of the church was extensively done by the last Spanish priest named Father Santiago Blanco in 1939. The ceiling paintings were repainted by a native of San Agustin named Macario Ligon. His assistant named Victor Ramos, who was in his teen years then was also the one who restored these paintings in the 1970s.During the Spanish-Colonial period, Betis is an independent town which has its own autonomy as a municipality. But due to migration of its inhabitants to the nearby Guagua in the American Period, it was merged to this town in 1904 under the Act 943. Today, although part of the municipality of Guagua, the Betis church has its own parochial priest and has its patron saint named St. James the Great. "

Source: http://www.betis.wetpaint.com

It was such a tremendous day for me as I woke up in the morning thinking that I am going to visit the Famous and Historical Betis Church... Honestly speaking, this is just my 2nd time to see this church, the first one was when we had our pilgrimage wayback 5 to 6 years ago as part of the activity of the Archdiocesan Youth day. When I started creating this blog, this church was the one who first came into my mind to explore, but as you observed this is not the first one whom i featured... There is a purpose definitely! Whatever it is I guess is not anymore matter...

Betis Church is absolutely one of the oldest churches in the Philippines like the one that I've visited a few weeks ago, the San Guillermo Parish Church in Bacolor. But beyond its being old, you will be fascinated by its creative and unique features and designs as you enter the whole vicinity. How do I say this so? come and join me as we explore the radiance inside of it...

Walking inside the church is like watching paintings in a certain museum because of its undeniably gratifying view, while roaming around, I can't avoid saying " Wow! This is great" The kapampangans should really be very proud of having a church as lovely as this. The Ceiling and Walls of the Church are painted with murals of the Holy family, selected scenes from Jesus Life, Catholic saints and cherubs. It depicts as well how religious filipinos are, especially kapampangans.

Betis is known for having enormous woodcarvers and wood sculptors. their works are not known only locally but even international. This church is also where Fr. Eddie Panlilio, The controversial Governor of Pampanga came from. Yes, He became a parish priest here before He decided to enter politics, that is why it is not even a doubt that this church is indeed historical.

Because of its being prominent, some scenes in the different movies or televisions were shoot here...

" Icons placed inside niches in successive stories are predominant in churches built by the Augustinians during the spanish colonial period in the Philippines called a "RETABLO", this structure showcases the religious patrons of every community. Betis has one of the magnificent Retablos built by the Augustinians orderd in the last quarter of the 18th Century."

"The folowing are the names of the icons of Betis Retablo."

1.) San Jose Ampong Jesus
2.) San Nicolas De Penitencia
3.) San Nicolas de Totentino
4.) San Agustin Obispo
5.) Maria a Talapan- Ampun da ring Kristiyano
6.) Banal na Krus ning Kristo Jesus
7.) San Agustin Misterio Trinidad
8.) Sto. Tomas de Villanova
9.) Sta. Clara de Montefalco
10.) San Rita de Cascia
11.) San Agustin Quing Kumbento
12.) San Pedro
13.) san Pablo
14.)San Agustino Krus at Maria
15.) Sta. Monica

Source: www. betis.wetpaint.com

While I am taking pictures, I was wondering why the Security Guard of the church keeps on looking at me, until I approached and asked him some questions. He told me that the church as much as possible is letting others refraining from taking pictures of the RETABLO, which i featured above. For a reason that He explained there was an incident happened two or three years ago, the pictures that was taken by certain individuals used those in creating posters and cards which they sell to the public. In short, they used the picture of the image of the Retablo for earning purposes. From then on, The church became so strict!

In addition, the latter also informed me that the 15 icons in the retablo were all preserved images as in if the church is more than 400 years old, the images were preserved for that long years.

Upon hearing that, I realized that the church is indeed sacred.

My visit there is not just a personal adventure, but it is a spiritual journey, a journey which made my faith even deeper!

Good Day!

FYI: At the side of the church, there is a small Museo.