Restored Our Lady of Caysasay Shrine in Taal reopens to public

The Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay in Taal, Batangas, has reopened to the public following its restoration under the care of the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP).

The historical church was formally turned over by the NMP to the Archdiocese of Lipa and the people of Taal last Thursday, June 20, which was also the 52nd anniversary of the elevation of the then-Diocese of Lipa into an archdiocese, according to the NMP via Facebook on June 22.

It can be remembered that in early 2020, the historical church sustained significant damage due to the eruption of Taal Volcano. Persistent earthquakes amid the activity of the volcano caused cracks in the church's structure. At the time, Taal Vice Mayor Jovito Albufero said that the huge cracks of the church could cause its ceilings to collapse.

The church and its complex were then placed under the care of the NMP the following year for restoration works.

During the turnover ceremony, markers declaring the shrine a National Cultural Treasure and National Historical Landmark, and the marker of the Decree of Dedication were also revealed.

The Archbishop of Lipa Most Rev. Gilbert A. Garcera, D.D. has said that the shrine's restoration was a "dream come true" for Batangueños and kindled renewed faith among the people.

Meanwhile, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Most Rev. Charles John Brown, D.D. lauded the restoration project, which "[brought] the church back to its original splendor, simplicity, integrity, and nobility."

The construction of the Caysasay church began in 1639 under the direction of Fr. Alonso Rodriguez, according to the NMP. The 2020 Taal Volcano eruption was not the first eruption that left the church damaged. The church was also partially damaged in 1754 during the six-month-long volcanic eruption of Taal.

— CDC, GMA Integrated News