19th-century carved pulpit panels reunited with church after 40 years

After a four-decade absence, four early 19th-century pulpit panels have finally returned to Boljoon Church in Cebu Province. The Archdiocese of Cebu announced in a social media post that the wooden panels arrived at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Patrocinio de Maria Santisima on Friday morning, 14 March.

The National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) formally handed over the artifacts to the diocese during a ceremony at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral Museum on 13 March. Featuring depictions of St. Augustine of Hippo — the founder of the Augustinian Order — the panels had been held in the NMP’s custody since early 2024 after being donated by private collectors.

In his message, Archbishop Jose Palma, who also serves as a member of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, emphasized the importance of the Eucharist in the life of the Church. He explained that among all religious celebrations, the Eucharistic celebration in the Mass remains the pinnacle of faith. He also underscored the pulpit panels’ significance, noting that the panel is not just a panel, “it is deeply linked with the Word of God.”

"In the pulpit, the Word of God becomes alive. Preaching makes His Word palpable and adaptable to life," Palma said.

According to the archdiocese, the panels will undergo carbon dating to determine their age. A public viewing will be held at the Boljoon Church until 18 March, followed by their formal installation at the pulpit from 19-20 March. Palma will preside over a Thanksgiving Mass on 21 March after the blessings of the panels.