After witnessing the great thing about the Betis Church in Guagua (Examine: 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 likely one of the oldest cities in Pampanga however there are a number of theories surrounding its origin. Some theories counsel that the time period Arayat is derived from the phrase “dayat” or “dayatan” which implies irrigation of rice lands through the dry season in Kapampangan. Nonetheless, some theories state that the time period got here from one other native phrase “arayat” which implies “to the east” the place the place is positioned with its stunning mountain known 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 turned a well-liked and majestic landmark additionally known as Mt. Sinukuan after a Kapampangan legendary god by the identify of Aring Sinukuan.
There are additionally historian data 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 principle claiming that town was based by prince Balatagas of the Madjaphit empire. Whereas there isn’t a particular date on when the city was established, it’s clear that Arayat is likely 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 putting 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 aircraft. 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 displays intersecting gable roofs. T
Whereas the unique stone façade has been coated with cement and painted in off-white and grayish tones, the construction retains its historic attraction 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 blended reactions from parishioners and the heritage sector.
Previous to the brilliant yellow facade, we noticed the protecting palitada of its belfry was already eliminated to disclose the stone utilized in its building.
Apparently, this shiny colour scheme is just not actually unusual. There are a lot of church buildings within the nation sporting the identical coat. As an illustration, the Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in Nueva Ecija has the identical colour 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 parts that replicate its wealthy historical past and Renaissance affect.
Some of the putting 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 coated once we acquired there.
A bone relic of Saint Catherine of Alexandria
You may as well spot a Confessional that matches the design of its altars
Intricate particulars of the retablo mayor
Some processional pictures have been displayed once we get there.
Mater Dolorosa
Holy Cross
San Pedro
A grotto of Immaculate Coronary heart of Mary outdoors the church
This Publish is a part of my Pampanga Pilgrimage collection. Be happy to revisit my earlier articles right here