Panels reinstalled

CEBU, Philippines — After more than four decades of being lost, four of the six missing pulpit panels from the historic Archdiocesan Shrine of Patrocinio de Maria Santissima have been returned and reinstalled, marking a significant victory for heritage conservation in the country.

The Cebu provincial government views this as proof that other missing religious artifacts across the Philippines can also be recovered through broader cultural heritage efforts.

The National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) formally turned over the four wooden panels to Boljoon on March 21, 2025. Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma presided over a Pontifical Mass at the antique pulpit, where he expressed gratitude to the provincial government, the NMP, the Boljoon local government, and other stakeholders who worked to bring the panels home.

"Angay nga balay sa Diyos, angay nga balay alampoan," Palma said, emphasizing the importance of preserving sacred spaces.

The pulpit, which now holds five of its original six panels, was a significant centerpiece during the ceremony. Palma called the return of the panels a moment of grace, underscoring that the celebration of the Eucharist remains the highest form of worship. He also reiterated Cebu’s role as the "cradle of Christian civilization" in the Philippines, pointing out the many historical and religious institutions that bear witness to this heritage.

The four panels, dating back to the 19th century, were originally part of the Spanish-era pulpit in Boljoon Church. However, they were stolen in the 1980s and disappeared into private collections.

Decades later, they resurfaced when they were donated to the National Museum and exhibited on February 14, 2024. NMP Director-General Jeremy Barns revealed that the donors, Edwin and Eileen Bautista, had acquired the panels from an antique dealer. The artifacts had already changed hands multiple times, passing through at least five or six collectors before reaching the Bautistas in the early 2000s.

"This is why I am extremely committed, as are the board members of NMP, to ensuring that the four pulpit panels entrusted to us be returned to the church and pulpit for which they were created," Barns said.

Recognizing the historical and religious significance of the artifacts, the Archdiocese of Cebu, alongside local officials, pushed for their return. After months of deliberation, the NMP Board of Trustees approved the repatriation in May 2024. The turnover was later formalized through a Certificate of Local Repatriation and Turnover, affirming that the panels rightfully belonged to the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Cebu (RCAC).

Cebu 2nd District Congressman Edsel Galeos underscored the importance of protecting the panels and ensuring they are never lost again. He stressed two main responsibilities: physical preservation and educating future generations about their cultural and religious significance.

"Ang inyong kadasig sa pagpreserbar sa atong kultura ug mga panulundon natong bahandi, kini maoy maghatag og kasiguraduhan nga ang sunod nga mga henerasyon magpadayon paghigugma sa atong kasaysayan isip mga Sugbuanon," Galeos said.

The return of the panels has also reignited calls for other religious artifacts taken from Cebu’s heritage churches in the 1970s and 1980s to be repatriated.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia urged those in possession of the sixth missing panel to return it, emphasizing that its removal was not only a criminal offense but also an act of sacrilege.

She noted that during the time of the theft, heritage conservation was not widely advocated, which allowed stolen religious artifacts to enter private collections without public resistance.

"Today, we saw the return of these four panels to where they belong—to the pulpit. We also witnessed the signing of the agreement for their local repatriation to their rightful owner, the Archdiocese," Garcia said in a press conference.

Garcia also hopes that other religious artifacts and historical items missing from churches across the province will be returned.

"We appeal to the goodness of your heart to return the items," Garcia urged. "Walay basolay, walay maggukod—no rancor, no ‘what ifs,’ no accusations. Just return them."

She made a public appeal, emphasizing the positive precedent set by the NMP’s decision.

"Mao na akong tinguha, ug kinsa man ang nakadungog nako karon, nakita ang gihimo sa National Museum, giuli dinhi—that is such a positive signal. We hope this will now serve as a gentle nudge to those in possession of other religious items that belong to the Archdiocese and to the parish," Garcia said.

The four returned panels feature detailed carvings of religious figures: St. Alypius, depicted holding a book and a flaming heart; St. Thomas of Villanova giving alms; St. Augustine of Hippo carrying a model of a church; and St. Possidius, portrayed holding a quill. /FPL. (CEBU NEWS)