In a historic event marked by a welcoming rite, mass, and a lecture on church heritage, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) turned over on 28 November the restored image of Augustine of Hippo, or San Agustin, the patron saint of Baliwag, Bulacan.

The event was attended by NHCP chairman Regalado Trota Jose and several members of his staff; authorities of the Diocesan Shrine of Saint Augustine, commonly known as Baliwag Church, led by parish priest and rector Narciso Sampana, who officiated the mass; members of the Cofradia de San Agustin; students from different schools in the city; and members of the community.

Jose said the wooden image, restored from July to November this year, dates back to the late 18th to early 19th centuries. A foremost scholar on church history and heritage, he has his paternal roots in Baliwag, specifically from the barangay of Concepcion. His grandfather, Lino Jose, a native of Baliwag was a prizewinning writer during his time while his father, Regalado Sr., was a known musical conductor and pianist.

During his lecture, Jose highlighted some of the little-known pieces of information on the church’s history and heritage including the decorative pieces such as friezes, and records of the church renting out wedding rings and even coffins.

The restored image used to be stored at an inconspicuous part of the convent and for a long time and later on, displayed, with a different name, for veneration at the Chapel of Saints, located at the back of the belfry. Townsfolk and church authorities were not aware that the important image was just standing there all along, amidst the figures of other saints and candles lit by praying parishioners. The restoration project was initiated by the parish, and it was beautifully restored by the NHCP Materials Research Conservation Division with Rommel Aquino at the helm.