The San Sebastián Cathedral will mark its 220th anniversary on November 17, celebrating more than two centuries of faith and service as the spiritual home of the Catholic community and the seat of the Diocese of Bacolod.
The Church traces its beginnings to 1806, when Father Leon Pedro was appointed the first resident parish priest of Magsungay, marking its transition from a visita into a formally established parish.
This milestone ushered in a new chapter in the history of the Christian community in Bacolod, laying the foundations of a local Church that would continue to grow through the centuries.
The Church’s history is closely intertwined with the beginnings of Bacolod itself. Following repeated pirate raids, the people of Magsungay moved inland to a higher settlement called bakólod, from which the city’s name was eventually derived.
Years later, Fr. Julian Gonzaga envisioned a more permanent church, beginning the effort to gather coral stones from Guimaras for its construction. The present stone church, built under the leadership of Fr. Mauricio Ferrero, OAR, had its cornerstone laid in 1876 and was inaugurated in 1882.
As part of the commemoration, the Cathedral will present “Simbahan sa Bakulod,” a community-based theatrical production recounting the story of the Church, from its beginnings in Magsungay to its growth and development through the years.
Written by Fundador “Mytor” Tipon, who also directs the production together with Kim Chauven Villaluna, the play features young parishioners who bring the Church’s history to life through their participation. Their involvement provides an opportunity for the younger generation to engage with and help preserve the heritage of the community they have inherited.
Staged against the historic façade of San Sebastián Cathedral, the production seeks to reconnect the community with its religious and cultural roots while inspiring a deeper appreciation of the Church’s continuing mission. The presentation is free and open to the public.
The festivities will begin with a Thanksgiving Eucharistic Celebration at 3 p.m. to be presided over by Msgr. Ronald S. Quijano, rector of the San Sebastián Cathedral and Vicar General of the Diocese of Bacolod.
This will be followed at 6 p.m. by the theatrical presentation of Simbahan sa Bakulod at the Cathedral façade.
The celebration will also pay tribute to key individuals whose dedication, leadership, and stewardship have helped preserve the Cathedral and sustain its faith community through the years. Their contributions form an important part of the Church’s continuing story.
Quijano said he invites the clergy, religious, parishioners and the people of Bacolod and Negros Occidental to join in this milestone celebration – to give thanks for the generations who have nurtured the faith, rediscover their shared heritage, and celebrate the continuing story of the Church in Bacolod.*
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