LIST: Damaged churches due to Cebu earthquake

Even some Catholic Churches in Cebu province were not spared from the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Bogo City on Tuesday evening.

Known for being the “Cradle of Christianity in Asia,” Cebu witnessed the first Christian Eucharistic celebration and conversion in the Philippines.

It is also home to the image of the Santo Niño (Child Jesus) and some historical churches like the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño.

Unfortunately, the following churches in Cebu were struck by the recent earthquake:

Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan
The centuries-old Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan is no longer accessible after some of its parts collapsed due to the earthquake.

Despite the quake’s force, the retablo image of Santa Rosa de Lima, the city’s patron saint, was left completely intact.

Parroquia de San Pedro Apostol in Bantayan Island
The Parroquia de San Pedro Apostol had advised the public to keep a distance from its premises after debris fell in front of the church.  

St. Martin de Porres Parish in Tabogon
Parts of St. Martin de Porres Parish’s wall and ceiling collapsed after it was struck by the earthquake.

San Sebastian Martyr Parish in Borbon
An image of the Blessed Virgin Mary was broken, while visible cracks were seen in San Sebastian Martyr Parish’s bell tower due to the earthquake.

San Juan Nepomuceno Parish in San Remegio
Several sacred images have fallen, as visible interior damage was observed in San Juan Nepomuceno Parish.

Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy has directed personnel to conduct a structural assessment on churches and rectories in the archdiocese.

He also ordered parishes in northern Cebu to refrain from using the churches to celebrate Mass until they are declared safe to use. —LDF, GMA Integrated News