Sorsogon Cathedral; A Record of Belief and Heritage - Following the Historical Thread

of The Saints Peter and Paul Parish Cathedral

I. Introduction
The Saints Peter and Paul Parish Cathedral, sometimes referred to by its ecclesiastical
name, Sorsogon Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in Sorsogon City, the
provincial capital of Sorsogon, Philippines. The Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral of Sorsogon
City, is a church that is full of History. The purpose of this documentary is to promote the local
history of Sorsogon city especially the Cathedral of Sorsogon. Dating back to the time that the
church was built and the disaster that the church faced and suffered, the history of the Cathedral
of Sorsogon is truly remarkable and it is worth it to explore. Starting at the Nipa and Bamboo
Church where the patron is St. Anthony of Padua to First Stone Church of Sorsogon. Following
the changing of the Patron of the Church, From St. Anthony of Padua to Saints Peter and Paul.
Lastly, the disasters faced by the church, such as earthquakes and typhoons.

II. Setting the Scene

The geography of Sorsogon is erratic, with mountain ranges to the north and west,
sloping uplands in the city's center, plains to the southwest, central north, and southeast, and
marshlands to the southeast deltas.The cathedral is located in Sorsogon City's downtown and
faces Sorsogon Bay. The oldest stone church in Sorsogon was established in 1660. In August
1754, a group of Moro raiders from the Bicol region captured Sorsogon, one of the villages along
Sorsogon Bay's coast. Prior to Bishop Andres Gonzales' mandate ending in 1680, the parish
administration of Sorsogon was taken over by secular priests from the Diocese of Nueva
Caceres. In 1768, the Franciscan Recollects, along with Fr., returned to oversee the parish. Ginez
Antonio Fernandez serves as the parson there. Saints Peter and Paul replaced Saint Anthony of
Padua as the parish's titular in 1792. In 1794, after twenty-six years, the Recollects gave the local
clergy control over the parish. On June 29, 1951, the feast day of Saints Peter and Paul, the
Cathedral of Sorsogon was canonically founded and proclaimed as the cathedral of the Roman
Catholic Diocese of Sorsogon. The first bishop of the diocese was Teopisto Alberto.
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IV. Exploring Historical Sites and Landmarks

( Late 80’s )
 ( Interior )

V. Theme and Historical Narratives

The year 1583 was the time that Catholicism started to spread in Sorsogon City it was the
Franciscans who started it, and by the year 1617, a parish mission in Bacon now known as the
Sorsogon district was established. After years, an independent parish was made with Saint
Anthony de Padua as their patronage and Fray Francisco San Diego was the first parish priest.
This time, the church was just built of nipa and bamboo. After 32 years, in 1660 the church that
was made of nipa and bamboo became a church made of bigger stones. Many years after that the
Secular priest of Nueva Caceres took over in 1680, the reason for this was the continued raid of
Moro because Sorsogon is one of the cities that is unfortunate enough to be raided by moro’s.
Nearly 100 years prior to this the Fransicans return to took and manage the church and this is
also when the titular patrons of the parish became St. Peter and Paul and in 1794 the Franciscan
recollects and let the native of Sorsogon manage the administration of the church and Fr.Pedro
Licup was the first native Filipino parish priest of Sorsogon but unfortunate events happen after
this a huge earthquake happen on 1840 this led to the old church to be destroyed and it killed 165
people and 31 of them are unfortunate to be buried alive of the old church.
After being built again after years the church of Sorsogon was declared as the Roman Catholic
Diocese of Sorsogon on July 29. 1951 this is also the feast day of the patronages St. Peter and
Paul, and this time Bishop Teopisto Alberto became the first bishop of the Diocese. And only
after 3 days of this a shocking earthquake destroyed the bell tower of the Cathedral which was
rebuilt with a Neo - Gothic architecture . Many years have passed The Sorsogon Cathedral is still
standing in 2023. The Cathedral can be described by its arches, domes, rounded like corners, and
with many inspirations from different styles like Baroque, Byzantine, Spanish Revival, and other
architectural styles. And the interior of the Cathedral is filled with red and gold murals painted
on a curved ceiling and many chandeliers that light the inside of the church

VI. Modern-day Connections

The Saint Peter Paul Parish Cathedral in Sorsogon has a historical narrative that deeply
influences the present-day community. The cathedral’s history dates back to the Spanish colonial
era, which was a significant cultural and religious inspiration for the people in the area.
As of today, the cathedral attracts both Catholics and tourists, serving as a symbol of Sorsogon’s
architectural and cultural history. It is arguably the city's most recognizable landmark. Standing
at the heart of the city and facing Sorsogon Bay. The Spanish influenced Catholic rituals and
indigenous beliefs from the area are combined in the church’s customs and traditions, showing a
blended culture that has continued throughout the years. The patron saints of the cathedral are
honored with a variety of religious celebrations and events held throughout the year. The
community comes together in celebration while maintaining its cultural identity during these
events, which often include colorful processions, traditional music, dances, and food offers. The
cathedral has many Christian religious holidays that are held every year, such as Simbang Gabi
or Misa de Gallo, where many locals gather to attend a series of early masses that lead up to a
final midnight mass on Christmas Eve. The finest clothes, gifts, and meals are prepared, as this
time of year is a time to celebrate gratitude, family, and faith. Another holiday is Holy Week or
Semana Santa, which celebrates the passion of Christ. The procession travels the same route
every year. As difficulties are forgotten as the procession reaches the cathedral, there’s a feeling
of accomplishment in enduring another Semana Santa. The cathedral also celebrates the annual
Pili Festival, which is a religious fiesta for St. Peter and Paul. The festival is stacked with
activities that highlight the Pili and its products. The most anticipated activity of all is the street
dancing to the fascinating beat of local instruments. The cathedral continues to be a center of
religious worship as well as the preservation of local traditions and culture. The historical
narrative continues to shape the beliefs, sense of belonging and pride in the community’s history.

VII. Conclusion
 In conclusion, the history of the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Sorsogon City is a living
proof to its resilience to endure various challenges throughout the centuries. From the start with
the Franciscans in 1583 to its construction and reconstruction due to the effects of natural
disasters and external threats such as Moro raids. It serves as a symbol of faith and continuity.

Sorsogon City is located in the Bicol region of the Philippines. It is a place steeped in
history, rich in cultural heritage/sites and a drapery of historical places that convey the story of
the past. There are a lot of historical places in Sorsogon Province aside from the Sorsogon
Cathedral also known as St. Peter and Paul Cathedral.

One of the notable landmarks is the Barcelona Church Ruins, located in the nearby town
of Barcelona. It's 40 to 50 minutes away from Sorsogon City. The Spanish-era church gives a
nostalgic feeling and offers a piteous reminder of the city's past. Visitors can explore the remains
of the church, and architectural designs, and reflect on the passage of time.

The Bulusan Volcano Natural Park is also located in Sorsogon City. It is a place of
ecological and historical importance. Aside from the majestic features of the park, it also holds
remnants of pre-colonial settlements and displays the past of place. The historical tale of
Sorsogon City is set within the peaceful setting of rich landscapes and biodiversity found in the
park.
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Another must-visit place is the Balay Cena Una also known as the Sorsogon Heritage
House. It stands as evidence of the city's colonial past. Constructed in the Spanish era, this
ancestral home displays the architectural style of the past and provides insight into the way of
life of wealthy families who used to live there. It serves as a living museum, preserving the
historical events that happened in the past.

VIII. Credits
Anna. (2012, August 3). Semana Santa. My Sorsogon.
https://mysorsogon.wordpress.com/2009/04/27/semana-santa/
Philippine Faith and Heritage Tours. (2022, May 7). Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral (Sorsogon
City) - Philippine Faith and Heritage Tours. Sts. peter and Paul Cathedral (Sorsogon City).
Philippine Faith and Heritage Tours. (2022, May 7).
https://philippinefaithandheritagetours.com/sts-peter-and-paul-cathedral-sorsogon-city/
says, H. (2023, January 29). Sorsogon Cathedral of Sts Peter and paul. Dominic Rielo Amayun.
https://dramayun.com/2016/11/22/sorsogon-cathedral-of-sts-peter-and-paul/?
fbclid=IwAR1iU5GBH3sj29MyQoFjqP7Zm8T3whjsFKAJ0NWd0apqN6em1Cf7GfuLqlE
Sorsogoncity. (2011, June 18). Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral—The Apostles. Sorsogon City.
https://sorsogoncity.wordpress.com/2010/12/20/sts-peter-and-paul-cathedral-the-apostles /

Pili Festival - FESTIVALSCAPE. (2023, January 13). FESTIVALSCAPE.

https://www.festivalscape.com/philippines/sorsogon/pili-festival/

Members;
Eusebio Alto II
Glenson Gargallo
Julius Abila
Bush Fortuny
Mercy Lacupanto
Albert Diaz