Vatican to help save RP churches

The government recently signed a landmark treaty with the Vatican to protect and maintain old churches in the  country.

The CBCPNews.com yesterday said the treaty, the first  between the two countries, is for the preservation of heritage Catholic churches.

The bilateral agreement was ratified at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Pasay City last Thursday by DFA Secretary Alberto Romulo and Papal Nuncio Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams.

The agreement was earlier signed by Pope Benedict XVI and President Arroyo.

Archbishop Adams assured the Philippine government that the Vatican is committed to “mutual cooperation” in the proper care of old churches which have been existing in the country for the past 400 years.

“It is a fact that what constitutes the cultural patrimony of this nation takes its origin from the Church and was contributed by her agents,” Adams said.

He said the historical pact is a major move in ensuring the protection of the country’s old churches “which the Church continues to utilize for its pastoral activities and evangelization.”

Romulo, for his part, said that both states have taken a meaningful step towards maintaining, protecting and preserving the “value of symbols of spirituality.”

Heritage churches, including their properties and artifacts, are more than just worldly possessions, he said, adding that they are “concrete expressions and enduring representations of profound faith.”

Also part of the accord is the implementation of measures on the regulation of Church properties through property inventory, restoration, anti-trafficking, custody and security, archiving and promotion of tourism in the heritage site

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) will implement the bilateral agreement.

It was clarified that the treaty does not involve financial support from the Vatican but the Philippine government will help with the research and funding.

Among those who witnessed the ceremony were Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, CBCP-Committee for the Cultural Heritage of the Church chairman Bp. Julito Cortes, National Historical Institute Deputy Executive Director Emelita Almosara and Commissioner Carmen Padilla of the UNESCO’s Culture Committee.