SubscribeThe antique bells of Caraga Church
Detail of the 1802 bell, the oldest of three that is still in the church.
The oldest bell in Caraga Church dated 1802. The inscription at the bottom reads: "EL SALVADOR DE EL MVNDO DE LA MISSION DE CARAGA"
There are only three bells remaining in the church of Caraga, Davao Oriental and these might have been placed at the top of the pediment. Now, all of these are just placed on the floor of the kumbento.
The oldest bell is dated 1802. Inscriptions are found only on one side: the usual cross bas relief and below it are the Spanish words:
EL SALVADOR DE EL MVNDO DE LA MISSION DE CARAGA
The second bell is dated 1893 and unlike the first, the Jesuit’s IHS monogram can be found instead of the cross. This is the smallest of the three and weighs 3 arrobas, incribed at the top, above the IHS symbol.
The last is a broken bell with the other half already gone. It is dated 1895 and its weigh of 7 arrobas is inscribed at the top. Like the second, it has the IHS monogram and below it the year. There was an a attempt to steal this one a few years ago but probably because of its weight, the thieves left it and was found the morning after.
One thing that I have observed is that unlike most other bells that I have seen in Augustinian built churches, except for one, these are not dedicated to specific saints. The bell caster is also not included.
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- Back of the third oldest bell. There was an attempt to steal this one but was fortunately recovered.
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- Remaining half of the third oldest bell again bearing the Jesuit’s IHS monogram. Below it is incribed: “AÑO 1895″
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- Second oldest bell with the Jesuit’s IHS monogram with the date inscribed below it as: “AÑO 1893″
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- Detail of the 1802 bell, the oldest of three that is still in the church.
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- The oldest bell in Caraga Church dated 1802. The inscription at the bottom reads: “EL SALVADOR DEL MVNDO DE LA MISSION DE CARAGA” (Savior of the world of the Caraga mission)
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- Detail of the third oldest bell showing the IHS monogram and year
Estan Cabigas is a multiawarded blogger and freelance photographer based in Makati City, the Philippines. A true blue Cebuano, he makes stunning images and meaningful photo stories. He has writtten for CNN Go and his photograph was published in the May 2010 issue of the National Geographic Magazine. To know more about him and his photography, visit estancabigas.com.
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