Boljoon pulpit panels finally home to Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — The long-lost pulpit panels from the Archdiocesan Shrine of Patrocinio de Maria Santissima in Boljoon have finally returned home to Cebu on Thursday, March 13, 2025.

Delicately stored in two crates labeled “fragile,” the four intricately crafted panels depict St. Alypius bearing a book and flaming heart, St. Thomas of Villanova giving alms, St. Augustine of Hippo bearing a model of a Church, and St. Possidius holding a quill.

The ceremonial turnover took place at the Archdiocesan Museum of Cebu after the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) Board of Trustees approved the repatriation of these religious treasures.

During the event, newly appointed Bishop of Jaro, Midyphil Billones, shared a heartfelt poem titled “Way Back Home,” emphasizing divine providence in bringing the sacred artifacts back.

“Yet by grace or conspiracy, you find your way back home to me. As I hold you in my heart, the truth explodes with clarity, I belong to you and you belong to me,” Bishop Billones recited.

The panels, which disappeared in the 1980s, resurfaced in February 2024 when they were donated to the NMP by private collectors Edwin and Aileen Bautista.

This discovery prompted the Archdiocese of Cebu and local officials to push for their return, asserting that the panels rightfully belonged to Boljoon Church. After months of deliberation, the NMP Board of Trustees approved their repatriation in May 2024, leading to the ceremonial handover.

Though NMP Director-General Jeremy Barns was absent, NMP Board of Trustees Chairperson Andoni M. Aboitiz emphasized the significance of the return.

“As we all know, the road that led today was not always a smooth one. Yet we at the National Museum are deeply inspired by the fact that we did come together for a larger good,” said Aboitiz.

Boljoon Mayor Joie Genesse N. Derama expressed heartfelt gratitude, recognizing the collective efforts in bringing the panels back home.

“Sa tanang nitabang, nag-ampo, ug sa tanang Boljoanon nga wa gud nawad-an og paglaum nga mabalik ang panels sa Boljoon… ug kami magbinantayon pa para di na ni mawala og usab,” Derama stated.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, who pushed hard to get back the religious treasurers, reaffirmed her dedication to protecting Cebuano heritage.

“At whatever cost it would take, we always defend the rights, the culture, and the heritage of our proud people, kita mga Sugboanon,” she declared.

She also advocated for the return of the still-missing sixth panel and emphasized the importance of carbon dating to verify the artifacts' authenticity.

“Only then will all matters be put to rest. Ownership should never be questioned. They have always belonged to the Archdiocese of Cebu, physically, emotionally, psychologically, and heartfully! Kitang tanan nahimong tipik ug kabahin aning panid pulpito,” Garcia said.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina G. Frasco underscored the significance of the panels’ return in heritage conservation.

“This return does justice to the ownership of these panels by the Archdiocese of Cebu. Heritage preservation is not just about reviving churches; it also fosters local economic growth and sustains the tourism industry,” Frasco stated.

She further highlighted that the Boljoon Church serves as a prime example of how cultural preservation can spur economic development.

Provincial Consultant for Heritage Affairs Dr. Jose Eleazar Bersales confirmed that carbon dating would be conducted on the panels to determine their age. The testing, costing $675 per sample, will be carried out in a Florida-based laboratory.

“This will be done in the data analytic laboratory in Florida, and within a week or two, we will get the dates and calibrate using the world calibration data,” Bersales explained.

Meanwhile, CALAHE Environmental Consultancy Services, led by Director Gabriel Victor Cabellero, undertook conservation efforts to stabilize the centuries-old panels. Due to prolonged exposure to environmental conditions, the wood had weakened, making it susceptible to cracking and warping.

“The conservation work requires detailed investigation, patience, and a mindset of discovery, as all these steps allow for a stronger understanding of the material and the cultural significance of these precious artifacts,” Caballero said.

The panels are set to be transported from the Archdiocesan Museum to Boljoon Church at 6:00 AM today.

From March 14 to March 18, the public will have the opportunity to view them inside the church before their installation on March 19-20. The panels will be formally blessed on March 21 during a pontifical mass led by Archbishop Jose Palma.

In a special dispensation granted by the archbishop, attendees will be allowed to consume meat on this Lenten Friday.

Palma also announced that he would deliver his homily from the restored pulpit, in keeping with tradition.

“When I will celebrate the mass there, I will preach from the pulpit... I will do it not only so that you can hear me but also so that you can see how beautiful the panels are when they are back to their original places,” he said. —/FPL (FREEMAN)