Princess Jusher A.

Vicada BSN-1

Prof. John Cyril T. Pagatpat October 17, 2018

History of Christ the King Cathedral and It’s Relic

Symbol

The construction of the New Christ the King Cathedral is born out of
necessity because the old cathedral is small and dilapidated and not any more
convenient to accommodate the growing number of catholic population. So then,
the Bishop of Tagum, Most Reverend Wilfredo D. Manlapaz DD, SThD deemed it
necessary to build a new one, a bigger one in a lot donated by the heirs of Dr.
Juan Gonzales namely Judge Mary Anne Israel, Marides Garcia, Bebot Gonzales
and Dr. Cyrian Gonzales who graciously donated the two hectare parcel of land
on which a place of worship is situated. Thereafter, they constructed for the ground
was prepared in 1993. In 1995, the Diocese of Tagum celebrated the 15 th
Anniversary as a diocese were established in the late 1980’s.
The building of new Christ the King Cathedral took 12 years of construction
that even up to 2005 which this year also was the 25th Anniversary of the Diocese
were it being established. The year 2005 are yet the most memorable time of the
Diocese were the dedication of new Christ the King Cathedral happened in
October 11, 2005 in which also the exact date were of the Diocese celebrates its
25th Year Anniversary. The titular meaning of the “Patron Saint” is still Christ the
King because that is the tutelary of the Diocese of Tagum and that was become
the old cathedral, it is renamed to Christ the Eucharistic King Parish.
The Cathedral has its unique arts, symbols, designed and features which
invites everyone to experience it personally. First features in line is “The World’s
Largest Rosary” which is a project of the Knights of Columbus. Its total length of
85.5 meters with the total weight of 2,815 kilos which is made of Magcono (Iron
Wood). The Rosary was blessed on February 7, 2006 by His Excellency Most
Reverend Antonio Franco, DD, Papal Nuncio in the Philippines, during the Silver
Anniversary of Episcopal Ordination of His Excellency Most Reverend Wifredo D.
Manlapaz, DD, SThd.

Hereafter seeing the amazing features found outside the Cathedral. Let us
take a look inside, at the time you entered at the lobby of the Cathedral, the
Statues of Saint Peter and Paul welcomes you. The two statues are intentionally
placed at the two big posts as an indication of their being great pillars of the
Church. These statues including the statues in the cathedral are artistic works of
Luis Ac-ac from Paete, Laguna. And as you walk to your right from the main
entrance of the lobby, you will find the Adoration Chapel. This is the place where
the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed at certain hours of the day. You will see
here a painting, which depicts the Emmaus event “and they recognized Him in the
breaking of the bread” (Luke 24: 13-35). From the Adoration Chapel to the other
end of the NARTHEX is the Sacristy. In the background is the painting of Calvary
where Jesus offered His life for our salvation. It reminds the priest that the
Eucharist he celebrates is the same sacrifice of Jesus in Calvary.
Thereafter, from the Sacristy, you walk towards the main body of the
Church and then turn to your right. There you will see the statues of Saint Lorenzo
Ruiz and Blessed Saint Pedro Calungsod.
 They are our very own Filipino Brothers who were raised to the altar. Now,
if you’re walking through the main altar you may see the prominent central part
background of the Sanctuary which is 12 ft. cross with an 8 ft. “Corpus” (Latin for
“Body”) of Christ. The canopy above the crucifix includes a crown in gold color and
symbols Alpha and Omega which all relate to Christ the King, the titular. Then
after, touch and amaze with the two main features of the Sanctuary which are the
ALTAR (TABLE) OF THE WORD, also known as “AMBO” and the ALTAR
(TABLE) OF SACRIFICE. The two altars are originally made of Black Galaxy and
Blue Pearl Granite from Italy.
Colorful images also are present, all you need to do is just look up, if you’re
facing the altar you may see the Holy Spirit symbols and opposite to that is the
colorful image Christ the King seated His throne. On the two towers of the altar,
the painting of the 4 evangelists namely, Saint Mark, Luke, Matthew and John are
also present. Down to the altar which is the left side of the sanctuary is the place
of the Baptismal font where the sacrament of baptism will be celebrated. You will
also see a painting depicting John baptizing Jesus at the Jordan River.
And wait there’s more, do not missed out to see the two historical items that
are found in the Church which are the confessional boxes were donated by the
University of Sto. Tomas Central Seminary in Parish of Sto. Nino in Panabo City
through the facilitation of its former pastor which now become the fourth Bishop of
Tagum, His Excellency Most Reverend Medil S. Aseo, DD. These boxes have
become silent witnesses to the sacramental encounter and reconciliation between
God and human beings of whom many have become priests and bishops. And of
course, see also the chair of bishop which is called Cathedra. The Cathedra
comes from the Greek word “KATHEDRA” which means ‘Chair’. It is the chair
where the Bishop is made to sit when he is installed as the Ordinary of his Diocese.
From this Chair, the Bishop exercise
his leadership and responsibilities of
teaching, governing and sanctifying. It
is a chair that also symbolizes the
Bishop’s role as a Shepherd that links
the local Church to the Universal
Church. The Chair is made of
“Kamagong”, a hard wood in dark
color.

Lastly, the back portion of the

Cathedral is a four-storey building. On
the ground floor is a chapel. It is in its
Tabernacle where the Blessed Sacrament
is reserved. Near the chapel’s altar is the
“SACRARIUM”. It is exclusively used for
the washing of altar linens and for cleaning
sacred vessels. The chapel is very useful
for celebrations with a small congregation
especially during ordinary days when the
Cathedral is closed. There are twelve (12)
tombs in the chapel, which can be resting
places for departed bishops and priests. The second floor is a multi-purpose hall.
The third and fourth floors serve as the Cathedral Rectory. There is also a roof
deck, which can be used for various needs.
 The significant of this article will do add to your religious
information about how the new Christ the King Cathedral being built
by the front runners whom faithfully work to make the history of the
Diocese more meaningful. It also boast your interest through
excitement in which considering this place to visit. It is us Filipino who
was once colonized by Spaniards hug and live the Christianity. We
can’t deny the fact that in the past we struggle a lot and have many
complains why it happens. Further, this work also help the following
individual especially our brothers and sisters in faith to much more live
the faith we believe in a way of discovering God’s mysteries found and
experience inside the Church.