(Photo courtesy of Romblon Diocese Facebook page)
MANILA – The Diocese of Romblon has appealed to the faithful to support the second collection to be conducted in all Sunday masses next month for the reconstruction of the St. Joseph Cathedral convent in Romblon, Romblon that was recently gutted by fire.
In a letter addressed to priests and the people of the diocese, Bishop Narciso Abellana asked for their generosity that will help them to reconstruct the convent and other religious artifacts that were damaged by the May 27 fire.
“I am appealing for your generosity - a second collection for the month of June (5 Sundays) for this project,” he said in a letter dated May 31.
“We woke up to a bad news in the early morning of May 27, 2023 - the rectory or convent of the St. Joseph Cathedral in Romblon, Romblon was gutted by fire, razed down, except for the old stone pillars,” the Catholic prelate added.
He noted that there were plans for its restoration, which is on its initial stages when the tragedy happened.
“It is, indeed, a tragedy because the centuries-old structure which also housed the Parish Office, was declared a cultural heritage, and, with the fire, all the canonical books and other records were turned to ashes,” Abellana said.
“Ditto with the antiques of the Diocese that came from the different parishes; the rectory played host also to the temporary museum of the Diocese. Our link to the past was eaten by fire,” he added.
The head of the diocese also revealed the proposal to construct a new rectory.
“Pending on the decision and conditions of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), we, however, have also to plan for the building of a new rectory,” he said.
At the same time, the Romblon bishop noted that they are also asking donations for another event, noting that the building of a new rectory is also important.
“I know we are also raising an amount for the Diocese involving all the parishes to fund our Golden Jubilee activities and program,” he said.
“However, just as the Cathedral showcases the Diocese as its Seat, so also the rectory has an equal importance,” added Abellana. (PNA)
