The century-old bronze bell of St. John the Baptist Church, cast on May 10, 1894, by the renowned foundry of Hilario Sunico in Manila, weighs around 200–360 kg and features Spanish inscriptions and ornate religious engravings. Originally donated by Doña Baban during Fr. Arquero’s tenure, it served for decades in Banate as a symbol of faith, calling people to prayer and marking life events like baptisms, weddings, and funerals. The bell’s daily tolling at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. fostered spiritual reflection among people and also serving as an indication of time. Now cracked and no longer in use, it bears signs of age such as fading, stains, abrasion, and a missing piece. Despite the damage, it remains a rare and valuable relic representing Catholic devotion and communal heritage in the commumnity. It is currently preserved in the parish rectory office for safekeeping.
Photo Credit/s:
Herick Louise P. Bebing, 2024
Mappers:
Riza May Gener, Kim S. Cocjin
Tags:
1894 bronze bell, bronze bell preservation, Catholic church relics, century-old church bell Philippines, church bell Banate Iloilo, church bell historical value, church bell spiritual significance, damaged church relics, Doña Baban donation, Filipino Catholic traditions, Filipino communal heritage, Fr. Arquero Banate, Hilario Sunico bronze works, Hilario Sunico foundry bell, historic church bells, Philippine colonial-era bells, Philippine religious heritage, religious artifacts Philippines, Spanish inscriptions on bells, St. John the Baptist Church bell
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