KALIBO CATHEDRAL: Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Kalibo, Aklan

Kalibo Cathedral: A Historical and Cultural Landmark in Aklan Province

Kalibo Cathedral, also generally known as the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, is a Roman Catholic cathedral church positioned in downtown Kalibo, the capital of Aklan province of the Philippines. It’s the seat of the Diocese of Kalibo and is taken into account one among the oldest cathedrals and buildings of worship in Aklan. The cathedral is situated near the Aklan River, making it a preferred landmark and tourist destination within the province.

In line with historical records, the cathedral was originally constructed in 1804 in Barrio Laguinbanwa in Numancia. Nonetheless, it was later moved to its current location in downtown Kalibo. The structure was said to have undergone reconstruction from 1993 to 1997 following the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that hit the province. Today, the cathedral stands as a testament to the resilience and faith of the people of Aklan.

Visitors to the cathedral can marvel at its striking architecture, which features orange-painted pilasters and complex details on its facade. Inside, the cathedral boasts beautiful stained glass windows and a grand altar. The cathedral can be home to the Parish Rectory Office, which provides various services to the area people.

History of Kalibo Cathedral

Kalibo Cathedral is situated near the Aklan River, about 350 kilometers south of Manila. The cathedral is the oldest edifice of worship within the province of Aklan, with a wealthy history dating back to the sixteenth century.

The cathedral was established in 1581, and the primary church was in-built Barrio Laguinbanwa in Numancia. Nonetheless, resulting from frequent attacks by Moro pirates, the church was moved to its present location in Kalibo. The structure was constructed in 1804 and later reconstructed from 1993 to 1997 following the 7.1 earthquake that hit the province.

The cathedral is the seat of the Diocese of Kalibo, which was established in 1971 and covers the province of Aklan. The diocese is a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Capiz, positioned within the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. The cathedral can be the middle of the Aklanon Catholic community and is a preferred destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.

The architectural design of Kalibo Cathedral is a mixture of Baroque and modern styles, with a façade that features orange-painted pilasters and a bell tower. The cathedral’s interior is adorned with intricate carvings and spiritual paintings and is a testament to the wealthy cultural heritage of the Aklanon people. The cathedral has several vital religious artifacts, including the Diocesan Shrine of Santo Niño.

Architectural Design

The Kalibo Cathedral is a surprising example of architectural design crafted by the renowned national artist Leandro V. Locsin. The cathedral’s design is a mixture of Baroque and modern styles, leading to a singular and fascinating structure that attracts visitors worldwide.

The cathedral’s exterior encompasses a symmetrical façade with a big central portal and two bell towers on either side. The towers are topped with domes and crosses, adding to the grandeur of the structure. The façade is decorated with intricate carvings and reliefs, showcasing the skill of the craftsmen who worked on the cathedral.

Inside, the cathedral is just as impressive. The nave is lined with columns and arches, making a sense of grandeur and space. The altar is the centerpiece of the cathedral, featuring a surprising image of the Santo Niño, in whose honor the annual Ati-atihan is well known every January.

Leandro V. Locsin’s architectural design of the Kalibo Cathedral is a testament to his skill and creativity. The combo of Baroque and modern styles creates a singular and fascinating structure that attracts visitors worldwide. The cathedral is a must-visit destination for anyone inquisitive about architectural design or just trying to experience the grandeur of this stunning structure.

Cultural Significance

Kalibo Cathedral shouldn’t be only a crucial religious site but additionally a big cultural landmark within the province of Aklan. The cathedral is the seat of the Diocese of Kalibo and is devoted to St. John the Baptist, although its principal patron is Santo Niño. Every twenty fourth of June, a feast is well known in honor of St. John the Baptist, drawing many believers to the cathedral.

The cathedral can be home to one among the shrines in Aklan, the Shrine of Santo Niño. The shrine draws plenty of believers every January, wanting to hitch the celebration in his honor. The annual Ati-atihan festival celebrated every third week of January, is one other cultural event related to the cathedral. The festival is a colourful and energetic celebration that involves street dancing, parades, and other cultural activities.

The cathedral’s cultural significance extends beyond Aklan and the Western Visayas region. The Ati-atihan festival is one among the region’s biggest and hottest festivals, attracting tourists from all around the world. It’s a celebration of the province’s history and culture and a testament to the resilience and strength of the Aklanon people.

Geographical Location

Kalibo Cathedral is positioned in downtown Kalibo, the capital of Aklan province within the Philippines. It’s situated near the Aklan River, which flows through town. Kalibo is positioned roughly 350 kilometers (217 miles) south of Manila, the capital of the Philippines. The cathedral is the seat of the Diocese of Kalibo, which covers the whole province of Aklan.

Town of Kalibo is positioned on the northwest coast of Panay Island, a part of the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. It’s bounded by the Sibuyan Sea to the north, the municipality of Numancia to the east, the municipality of Banga to the south, and the municipality of Tangalan to the west. Kalibo has a complete land area of fifty.75 square kilometers (19.60 square miles) and a population of roughly 80,605 people as of 2020.

Town has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: a dry season from December to May and a rainy season from June to November. The typical temperature in Kalibo is around 28°C (82°F), with the most well liked months being April and May.

Impact of the 7.1 Earthquake

On June 14, 1990, an intensity 7.1 earthquake hit Panay Island at 3:41 P.M. with the epicenter at Culasi. The Kalibo Cathedral, made from bricks, suffered cracks on its partitions. The earthquake caused significant damage to many structures in the world, including the cathedral.

The cathedral was reconstructed from 1993 to 1997 following the earthquake. The reconstruction was done to revive the cathedral to its original state, now considered a good looking landmark in Kalibo.

The earthquake was a big event within the history of Kalibo and the encompassing areas. It caused widespread damage to many buildings and structures, including the Kalibo Cathedral. Nonetheless, the cathedral reconstruction following the earthquake was a testament to the resilience of the people of Kalibo, who worked hard to revive their beloved landmark.

Influence and Legacy

The Kalibo Cathedral has significantly impacted the history and culture of Kalibo, Aklan, and the Philippines. Because the oldest edifice of worship within the province of Aklan, it has grow to be a logo of the region’s wealthy heritage and spiritual tradition.

The cathedral’s patron saint, St. John the Baptist, can be a crucial figure within the Christian faith. In line with the Bible, he baptized Jesus Christ within the River Jordan and is taken into account a prophet and a forerunner of Christ. As such, the cathedral has grow to be a preferred pilgrimage site for devotees of St. John the Baptist.

The Santuario Diocesano del Santo Niño, positioned inside the cathedral complex, can be a big religious site. It houses a picture of the Santo Niño, a representation of the infant Jesus, which is believed to be miraculous by many Filipinos. The image is claimed to have been discovered by Spanish explorers in 1565 and has since grow to be a revered icon in Philippine Catholicism.

The Parroquia Catedral de San Juan el Bautista has also played a crucial role within the history of Kalibo. It was originally established in 1680 as a parish under the advocacy of St. John the Baptist and has since served as a middle of non secular and cultural life within the town. The cathedral’s architecture, which encompasses a mixture of Spanish colonial and modern styles, can be a testament to the region’s wealthy architectural heritage.

Kalibo Cathedral Mass Schedule

Regularly Asked Questions

What’s the history of the Kalibo Cathedral?

The Kalibo Cathedral, also generally known as the St. John the Baptist Cathedral, is a historical church that dates back to the seventeenth century. It’s the seat of the Diocese of Kalibo, which was established in 1976. The cathedral has undergone several renovations and reconstructions over time.

When was the Kalibo Cathedral built?

The unique structure of the Kalibo Cathedral was finished in 1826, making it the oldest cathedral and constructing of worship in Aklan. It was constructed after moving from its original location in Barrio Laguinbanwa in Numancia.

What’s the hierarchy of the Diocese of Kalibo?

The Diocese of Kalibo is a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Capiz. The diocese’s current bishop is Most Rev. Jose Corazon T. Tala-oc, D.D.