Old yet culturally valuable wooden pulpit panels return home

Parishioners of the Archdiocesan Shrine of Patrocinio de Maria Santisima in Boljoon dance to the beat of the Sinulog as they welcome the homecoming of four of six long lost wooden pulpit panels, Mar. 14, 2025. | RCAC FB

MARCH 14 – The four antique wooden pulpit panels are finally brought home to the Archdiocesan Shrine of Patrocinio de Maria Santisima in Boljoon, Cebu. The panels which are an invaluable part of Cebu culture and church heritage were transported from the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) to Cebu on Mar. 13 and were formally turned over to Most Rev. Jose S. Palma, the Archbishop of Cebu.

Decades ago, the parishioners of Patrocinio de Maria in Boljoon were shocked to discover that the hanging pulpit in their old church was stripped of its grandeur as five of six intricately carved wooden panels were missing. They were reported stolen in the local police precinct. It was not until last year when four of the five missing pulpit panels were seen being displayed in the NMP.

The Archdiocese of Cebu and the Provincial Government immediately took some steps and expressed the intention of acquiring back the wooden pulpit panels which are originally from the Church in Boljoon.

As a way of officially receiving the pulpit panels in Boljoon, a Holy Mass was celebrated, presided over by Msgr. Arturo Navales, the parish priest. Together with him were Fr. Brian C. Brigoli, the chairman of the Cebu Archdiocesan Commission on Cultural Heritage of the Church, who also gave the homily and other visiting priests.

In his homily, Brigoli reflected on a much deeper meaning of this homecoming, emphasizing that the return of the panels signifies more than just a physical restoration – it is also an act of reconciliation for the entire community.

“Ang pag-uli, mga kaigsuonan, is to reconnect our roots, and in the same way, to reconnect with who we are—our identity. Kining pag-uli karon sa pulpit panels, in a way, is a reconciliation to us; a reconciliation with our God, a more personal and intimate relationship with Him,” said Brigoli.

He further highlighted that beyond their historical and artistic value, the pulpit panels bring a spiritual blessing.

“More than the physical presence of these pulpit panels is the spiritual blessing that unites us as a community, that enflames our faith in God, and will offer to us an unwavering commitment for the protection of our heritage,” he added.  //RCAC FB