Lenten gift to Naic: Restored church

The faithful fill the 18th century Diocesan Shrine of the Immaculate Conception of Mary in Naic town, Cavite province, which was restored by WCKF. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

An 18th century church in Naic town, Cavite province, which Wong Chu King Foundation (WCKF) restored to its former glory, is seen as playing a key role in encouraging more people to grow in faith during the Lenten season.

Bishop Reynaldo Evangelista, of the Archdiocese of Imus, cited the newly renovated Diocesan Shrine of the Immaculate Conception of Mary as an encouragement for the people to live a “prayerful life.”

The restored church was turned over by WCKF to the Naic parish in a ceremony marking the foundation’s 24th anniversary on March 30.

“We build churches to encourage people to live a life of holiness,” said the bishop, who celebrated Mass during the church turnover.

“With this beautiful church, one can say that the presence of God is really felt by the people,” the bishop said.

“I want to thank the Wongchuking family for all that they have done not only for the church but also for the parish of Naic,” he said.

In a statement, WCKF said the work to restore the neo-Gothic style church began in June last year and was completed in February.

“We couldn’t allow this historic church to go into disrepair because it not only strengthened the Filipino faith but also stood as a mute witness to the martyrdom of the defenders of Philippine freedom and nationhood,” WCKF executive director Alexander D. Wongchuking said in the statement.

Since 2009, WCKF has been renovating churches, including the Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Piat in Piat town, Cagayan province, in 2012. The foundation has also been helping in the seismic retrofitting of historic churches and religious structures in Bohol and Cebu provinces since last year, and has been funding several church restoration projects in the Visayas.

James Navarette, WCKF general manager, said church restoration remained a major advocacy of the foundation. “Churches are symbols of strength and hope for Filipinos,” he said in the same statement.