The St. Anthony de Padua Church in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo, houses three historic bells (locally called Lingganay or Campana), dating from 1672, 1842, and 1968, all of which were donated by prominent town figures and reflect centuries of Catholic tradition. These bronze bells, adorned with Christian symbols and Spanish inscriptions, played vital roles in community life, marking the time, signaling Mass, and commemorating key life events like funerals and weddings. The bells prompt townspeople to pause for evening prayer (the Orasyon) and once served as a wake-up signal before modern clocks were common. Over time, exposure to the elements and age-related damage such as cracks, fading, and weakened sound have rendered them unsuitable for regular use. In 2023, a new bell from Belgium replaced the oldest one as a conservation measure, while plans are underway to preserve the old bell in a protective glass case for display and educational purposes.
Location/s:
, Iloilo
Photo Credit/s:
Roscelle De vera, Angelika Caguioa, 2024
Mappers:
Irene Deocos, Chera May Batisla-ong, Dome Bryle Biñas
Tags:
1672 bronze bell, 1842 church bell, 1968 religious bell, , Belgian church bell 2023, bronze bell conservation, Campana church bells, Catholic bell rituals, Catholic traditions Philippines, centuries-old church bells, Christian symbols on bells, church bell history Philippines, Filipino religious heritage, Filipino town traditions, historic church bells Iloilo, , Orasyon evening prayer, religious artifacts preservation, Spanish inscriptions on bells,
Want to know more?
Inquire about this specific heritage by filling up the form below.
We will get back to you with an answer as soon as we can.
