St. Catherine de Alexandria Cathedral and Bellfry

Place: St. Catherine de Alexandria Cathedral and Bellfry, Perdices Street, Dumaguete City
Date: April 7 2012

St Catherine de Alexandria

St Catherine de Alexandria is the largest church in the city. It is the center of the Diocese of Dumaguete and the central Catholic church of the region. On the main entrance door, an inscription is telling us that it is the oldest stone church in the province (see photo below). Evidently, the walls were seen repeatedly restored. It has a grandiose architectural design which they say was inspired by the European style. What I loved about this church is the interior roofing design. It somehow depicts a huge cross with an ornate dome on the center that was especially highlighted by the sun rays coming inside the church. It acts as if a huge cross is right on your head.

An inscription found on the main entrance of the church

The huge symbol of cross on the ceiling

When I went there, church organizers were seen busy decorating the main altar for the next day, Easter Sunday. I actually have not attended yet a mass for the Easters celebrated in this cathedral. But in comparison to our Metropolitan Cathedral back in Zamboanga, the ornaments were all the same (coconut trees, flowers) and is place always on the right side of the altar (like seen on the photo below shot in Dumaguete Cathedral). I do not know why... Can someone enlighten me on this matter. :)

Church Organizers busy during Black Saturday

There was no mass being heard that time and so I was very fortunate to take some photos for souveneers.

The church long aisle

The patroness saint of Dumaguete City is St.Catherine de Alexandria and her feast is celebrated every 26th day of November. 

Beside this church is the most popular iconic symbol of the city, The Belfry. It is a stone structure that was built during the reign of Spanish regime. It is one of the oldest belltower in the Visayas Region. It is used to warn the townsfolk against moro, pirates and other invaders. I have seen this tower at night and it looked better because of some lights highlighting the focal points of the tower.

Below this century old stone structure is a grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. Several passersby drop by, light candles and say their prayers.

Dumaguete Belfry

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