Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia led the exhibit opening of the Diocese of Bacolod celebrating 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines at the ground floor of Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod City Sunday that will run until April 20.
“Las Historias No Contadas” or “The Untold Stories of the Negrosanon Church” features various art pieces of relics and important personalities who have been part of the church’s history from the Museo Diocesano de Bacolod with the support from the Diocesan Commission on Church Cultural Heritage and Patrimony.
“The museum should not be limited only as a dusty repository of the past reserved for the select few but an open door to people from all walks of life and serve as an instrument for communication between cultures and religions, an instrument for peace and have its role in cultural diplomacy,” volunteer curator Antonio Suarez said.
Leonardia, meanwhile, was glad the exhibit featured the late Bishop Antonio Fortich, who played a significant part in shaping his Catholic faith.
“He was there to officiate my baptism, my confirmation and my marriage.
“By inviting me here I feel that finally I became part of the celebration of the 500-year history of Christianity in the Philippines,” Leonardia said.
Bishop Patricio Buzon, Art Association of Bacolod Board of Directors member Patty Ong, Museo Diocesano de Bacolod volunteer Sandy Solinap and congressional aspirant Dan Atayde were also present at the opening of the exhibit.*
