Paying homage to the miraculous Cristo de Burgos Cross of Sariaya
Posted at 11:47 am April 16, 2010
Tags: Churches and Places of Worship, Historical Places
By Marjorie Gorospe
SARIAYA, QUEZON — The church of Sariaya does not only serve as a temple of Christ for the faithful, it also serves as a landmark of this historical town.
St. Francis of Assisi church was first constructed in 1599 but was destroyed by a natural calamity that it had to be rebuilt in 1748. It houses the wooden cross of Cristo de Burgos whose more popular than the parish’s patron saint, St. Francis.
According to history, the church suffered from the pillaging Moros who burned the whole town forcing the townspeople to flee to Mount Banahaw. After the Moros left, the people went back and found the Cristo de Burgos Cross still standing, unharmed amidst the destruction. The event was considered a miracle and up to now, the cross is being highly regarded by both locals and tourists.
Outside the church, you will see life-sized statuaries depicting the Last Supper and adobe walls that feature the Stations of the Cross. There is also a small bell where a scripture is written, stating the history of the church.
Much as I wanted to stay there longer, we had to leave as a wedding ceremony was being held. Nevertheless, seeing the church for a while was definitely worth the travel.
St. Francis of Assisi Church was proclaimed as the Diocesan Shrine of Mahal na Señor, Santo Cristo de Burgos by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007.
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