Case Study on a Historical Structure in the Philippines: Diocesan Shrine - Parish of Our Lady of Light:

Illuminating Cultural Preservation and Religious Identity

Abstract
This case study explores the Diocesan Shrine-Parish of Our Lady of Light in Rizal, Philippines, focusing on
its role in preserving cultural heritage and shaping religious identity within the local community. The
shrine-parish, with its rich historical, cultural, and religious significance, serves as a central point of
reference for residents and pilgrims in the Rizal region.

It focuses on the historical context and the evolution of Our Lady of Light Parish into a diocesan shrine,
tracing its origins back to the era of Spanish colonization. The study illustrates the methods employed to
safeguard cultural heritage through the continued celebration of time-honored traditions, artistic expressions,
and age-old festivals that have evolved over centuries. Furthermore, the case study scrutinizes how the
shrine-parish has become a symbolic representation of religious identity, nurturing a sense of belonging
among its members while simultaneously attracting devotees from various regions. It also assesses the
challenges faced by the shrine-parish in preserving and adapting its cultural and religious traditions in the
face of modernity.

This case study significantly contributes to the understanding of the interplay between cultural heritage
preservation and the development of religious identity within a religious institution. It highlights the crucial
role that such institutions play in upholding local customs and nurturing spiritual connections, providing
valuable insights for scholars, policymakers, and religious leaders dedicated to safeguarding cultural
heritage and strengthening religious communities in the contemporary world.

Diocesan Shrine - Parish of Our Lady of Light’s Historical Structure and Its Significance

In 1707, Jesuit priest Padre Gaspar Marco constructed the stone church in Cainta, dedicated to Saint
Andrew the Apostle. Under the leadership of Padre Joaquin Sanches, the church's construction was completed in
1716, officially becoming a parish in 1760. In 1727, a painting of Our Lady of Light from Sicily, Italy, arrived at this
church—an intricate portrayal of the Blessed Virgin's apparition, portraying Mary as mother, protector, and queen.

The church endured a series of disasters, both natural and man-made, including an earthquake that led to
its collapse on February 23, 1853, as the convent's walls crumbled. Once a significant church in the Politico Distrito
de Morong, the Diocesan Shrine fell victim to the Filipino-American War in 1899. The parish church, along with the
original icon of Our Lady, was burned, leaving it in ruins for nearly 70 years. Even the stones from its walls were
repurposed for road construction.

The newly constructed church closely mimics the original, albeit on a larger scale. It houses individual
chapels dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament, Our Lady of Light, and Saint Andrew, and is connected to a bell tower
with arched windows.

The Diocesan Shrine commissioned the renowned Filipino national artist Fernando Amorsolo to create a
painting of Our Lady of Light, inspired by a prayer card from Guanajuato, Mexico. Amorsolo's version, rendered in oil
on canvas, incorporates a local touch, with Filipino features infused into the depicted faces. Over time, Amorsolo's
masterpiece suffered from discoloration and layers of dirt and dust. In 2007, artistic conservationist Carmina Silverio
spent four months cleaning and restoring the painting to its original richness. During the same year, the permanent
altar associated with the artwork was also reconstructed.

It details the resilience of the shrine, its reconstruction, and the preservation efforts that have sustained its
heritage over time. This also shows the restoration work by Carmina Silverio in 2007, emphasizing the significance of
cultural preservation and artistic heritage. Moreover, this case study serves to highlight the historical journey of the
Diocesan Shrine and inspire an understanding of the impact heritage sites have on communities and their history.
Through this exploration, the Diocesan Shrine serves as a compelling example of the enduring impact that religious
and cultural landmarks can have on a community.

Structure Selection and Rationale of Diocesan Shrine - Parish of Our Lady of Light

The Roman Catholic parish church, formally designated as the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of
Light but more commonly known as Cainta Church, is situated in Barangay San Andres, Cainta, Rizal, Philippines.
Adjacent to it is the Cainta Catholic College, which is under the church's administration.

In 1707, Father Gaspar Marco, a Jesuit priest, managed the initial construction of Cainta's original church,
which was built using stone. Saint Andrew the Apostle was the patron saint of the shrine at that time. The
architectural plans for the stone church were created by Juan de Salazar, and it was finished while Joaquin Sanchez
served as the parish priest in 1716 transforming it into a well-preserved educational site helps the local economy
while preserving its historical integrity.

In 1727, a portrait of Our Lady of Light was introduced from the Kingdom of Sicily and was selected as the
new church's patroness. By 1760, the church was officially designated as an independent parish. On February 23,
1853, an earthquake caused significant damage to the church structure. The church's roof and one of its walls
collapsed, and the parish rectory or convent's walls developed cracks.

The initial church was constructed using stone and limestone, and its roof was covered with tiles. Its
dimensions were approximately 44 meters in length, 15 meters in width, and 11 meters in height. It featured a dome,
transepts (cross-shaped extensions), and five supporting buttresses. The spacious altar in the nave had windows
and a skylight. The belfry (a bell tower) housed four bells, two of which were smaller ones that were rung in rotation,
known as esquitas. The baptistery, with an arched ceiling, was located at the base of the belfry. The flooring was
crafted from wood, and the church also included a choir loft, communion rail, pulpit, and three entrances. Inside the
church, there were five retablos (altarpieces), with the original image of Our Lady of Light prominently placed in the
central niche.

In summary, the Diocesan Shrine, Parish of Our Lady of Light in Cainta, Rizal, which has an architectural
design of Baroque and Gothic style, shows various factors, including historical, cultural, spiritual, and functional
aspects. This structure not only represents the area's significant heritage but also functions as a sacred and cultural
focal point for the local community, fostering worship, devotion, and pride.
Historical Context of Diocesan Shrine - Parish of Our Lady of Light

1707 : Construction of the Diocesan Shrine A Jesuit priest, Padre Gaspar Marco, initiates the
construction of the stone church, which is dedicated to
Saint Andrew the Apostle in Cainta, Rizal.

1716 : Completion of the Diocesan Shrine The construction of the church was completed in 116
under the leadership of Padre Joaquin Sanches, and it
was officially established as a parish in 1760.

1727 : The arrival of Our Lady of Light Painting The painting of Our Lady of Light was brought to the
Diocesan Shrine from Sicily, Italy, known for its
portrayal of the Blessed Virgin apparition.

1853 : Diocesan Shrine was hit by an earthquake Some parts of the church collapsed on February 23,
1853, and the adjacent covent's walls are also
crumbling.

1899 : Filipino-American War The parish church, along with the original icon of Our
Lady of Light, is burned, which has remained
untouched for almost 70 years since the
Filipino-American War.

Reconstruction of Diocesan Shrine The reconstructed church resembles the original,

featuring individual chapels dedicated to Our Lady of
Light, the Blessed Sacrament, and Saint Andrew.

Commission for Diocesan Shrine The national Filipino artist Fernando Amorsolo was
commissioned to make a rendition of Our Ladt of Light,
which is inspired by the prayer card from Guanajuato,
Mexico.

2007 : Restoration of Diocesan Shrine A conservationist, Carmina Silverio, restored and

cleaned Fernando Amorsolo’s masterpiece for four
months, during which the permanent altar associated
with the artwork was rebuilt.

Architectural Features of Diocesan Shrine - Parish of Our Lady of Light

The following architectural features contribute to the identity of the Diocesan Shrine, which emphasizes its
historical context and how it adapts to changing times:

● Stone - The church features a sturdy stone construction that signifies durability and is a common
characteristic of historical churches.
● Bell Tower - The bell tower is connected to the main building, which serves as a housing bell for religious
and community events and is characterized by arched windows.
● The Design of the Altar - The design of the painting of Our Lady of Light was commissioned by Fernando
Amorsolo to reflect its cultural and religious significance and show a blend of Filipino and Mexican design.
 ● Chapels - There are individual chapels inside the church dedicated to specific religious figures, especially
Our Lady of Light, the Blessed Sacrament, and Saint Andrew, which allows for distinct spaces for devotions
and ceremonies.
● Architectural Elements - It features a combination of Baroque and Gothic architectural design elements.

Current Condition of Diocesan Shrine - Parish of Our Lady of Light

The following shows the current condition of the parish church:

● There are leaks and stains on the walls

● The mosses are gradually spreading
● The color of the church has faded
Significance of Diocesan Shrine - Parish of Our Lady of Light to the Community

The Diocesan Shrine, Parish of Our Lady of Light, was established in 1707 by Jesuit priest Padre Gaspar
Marco. It serves as a spiritual place offering communal worship and religious practices. It was dedicated to Saint
Andrew the Apostle, and along with the distinct chapels for the Blessed Sacrament, Our Lady of Light, and Saint
Andrew, the shrine addresses the diverse spiritual needs of the community.

Also, the shrine plays a vital role in cultural and historical aspects for Cainta residents, such as the use of
stone construction reminiscent of historical churches coupled with intentional reconstruction mirroring the original
structure. It reflects a commitment to preserving the community's architectural legacy, like the bell tower, which
features arched windows and adds to the shrine's visual allure and traditional charm.

Moreover, the Diocesan Shrine has withstood challenges, including natural disasters and wartime
destruction, showcasing resilience and continuity in adversity. Its reconstruction and its ongoing role as a parish
emphasize its adaptive nature, ensuring continued relevance and significance in the lives of the community.

In summary, the Diocesan Shrine, Parish of Our Lady of Light in Cainta, Rizal, is a testament to resilience
and a unifying influence that shapes the community's identity, fostering a shared history and spiritual connection
among its members.

Stakeholders for Diocesan Shrine - Parish of Our Lady of Light

● Heritage Conservation Community - Helps in preserving cultural and historical heritage.

● Government Authorities - They may be involved in regulatory matters, infrastructure support, or
community development initiatives related to the shrine.
● Local Parishioners and Worshipers - They are the ones who actively participate in religious services and
activities that engage with the offerings.
● Religious Leaders and Clergy - They guide the spiritual life of the community and administer religious
services.
● Local Community and Residents - They contribute to the cultural and historical identity of the site as they
participate in the benefits of the services provided by the shrine.
● Tourism Authorities - Its historical and cultural context may attract tourists, which can help promote and
support the shrine.
● Institutions - They may incorporate visits to the Diocesan Shrine into their educational programs to provide
students with insights into local history, culture, and religion.

Proposed Intervention for Diocesan Shrine - Parish of Our Lady of Light

In order to enhance heritage preservation, foster community involvement, and maintain the long-term culture
and historical importance of the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Light, a proposed plan must be developed for this
church located in Cainta, Rizal, which includes the following:
● Historical and Cultural Research - Conduct a thorough investigation of the shrine's history and culture,
incorporating its architectural characteristics as well as community significance. To manage and address
current conservation needs, a routine maintenance schedule will be established.
● Condition Assessment - In order to ensure structural stability and safety, an assessment of the condition of
the shrine, in particular areas that require repair or restoration, should be made. Develop a maintenance
plan, actively involving local communities in heritage conservation efforts, to ensure that this intervention
continues for as long as possible.
● Architectural Conservation - In order to ensure that the architecture of the shrine is preserved, a thorough
assessment of its structural integrity should be performed and appropriate repairs carried out. To maintain
authenticity, use traditional building materials and techniques.
● Artwork Restoration - Make sure that Fernando Amorsolo's commissioned painting of Our Lady of Light is
protected. Ensure that controlled environmental conditions are applied to avoid further deterioration, launch
public awareness campaigns highlighting the importance of this artwork and its continuing conservation
efforts.
● Community Outreach and Engagement - To promote active participation and involvement, organize
community events such as festivals of culture or religious celebrations at the shrine. The Diocesan Shrine
must not only be preserved for future generations, but it must also become a vital and integral part of
community life, contributing significantly to education, tourism, and a collective appreciation of cultural
heritage by implementing these measures.
References

● Philippine Faith & Heritage Tour. (2023). Diocesan Shrine-Parish of Our Lady of Light. Cainta, Rizal.
https://philippinefaithandheritagetours.com/diocesan-shrine-parish-of-our-lady-of-light/
● Layug, B. (2022). Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Light.
https://benjielayug.com/2022/04/diocesan-shrine-and-parish-of-our-lady-of-light-cainta-rizal.html
● Loewe, A. (2011). Our Lady of Light Parish.
https://loeweann.wordpress.com/2011/06/02/our-lady-of-light-parish-cainta/
● https://en-academic.com/dic.nsf/enwiki/8184180