Sandra Aguinaldo explores the 'fallen church' of Bulacan on 'I-Witness'

Published April 5, 2013 9:53am

Some people call it the “fallen church”.

Formerly a Roman Catholic chapel in Bulacan, this chapel referred to as “bisita” named “Bisita

ng Santissima Trinidad” is now being run by a group of elders who call themselves Spiritual

Catholics.

In 2001, this bisita was in the middle of a power struggle when a group of elders refused the

Diocese’ plan to turn the bisita into a parish. The Roman Catholic Church has since banned

priests in saying mass in the bisita. For 4 years, the bisita remained silent except for the

devotees of the ancient icon of the Holy Trinity that many believe, is miraculous. The elders

then approached a man to say mass. He claims to be a priest from a group he calls “Spiritual

Catholics”. He has been saying “mass” in the bisita for about 8 years.

Most of the people who go to “mass” there believe there is no difference with the Roman

Catholic mass. This is despite the fact that an area of the bisita is allotted for faith healers and

the Spiritual Catholic priest is married with children.

Attempts at a reconciliation is on-going and the Catholic Church says its doors will remain

open, like that of a father awaiting the return of its prodigal son. The big question remains, is

the son ready to come home?

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