It has been a long 36 years since the ancient icon of the miraculous Holy Trinity (“ Larawan ng Mapaghimalang Santisima Trinidad”) of a Malolos barangay with the same name, disappeared on 27 October 1981. Known variously as “Santisima Trinidad na Orihinal”, “Santisima Trinidad na Antigo”, and “Santisima Trinidad na Matanda”, it has been enshrined ever since at the main altar of the visita of Brgy. Santisima Trinidad.
 |
| In this 1963 photo, on can still discern the Santisima Trinidad on the top niche of the main altar of the chapel. |
The visita itself was built on 4 May 1863. Stories have
it that when the field was being cleared by workers for the erection of the
visita, they unearthed an icon bearing the image of the Holy Trinity, painted
on 4 wood panels pieces. The 26 x 36” painting shows the 3 divinities—God the
Son, God the Father, and God, the Holy Spirit seated together, with hands
raised in benediction. As a tribute to the Trinity, the chapel and th barrio
was put under their titular patronage.
 |
| THE THREE CALLEJERAS |
Since then, three more Santisima Trinidad icons have
joined the original one at the visita-- Santisima Trinidad na Mayor, a Mexican
painting on canvass, and considered the oldest of the 3 callejeras
(processional images); Santisima Trinidad na Bata, an oil painting on rosewood,
ca. 1762; and the Santisima Trinidad de Trisagio, a 22 x 27” image placed in
the safekeeping of the caretaker or “hermano trisagio”.
But it is the original “larawan” that remained in the altar mayor for as long as one can remember, around which the people of the barangay anchored their faith, love and devotion. In time, the chapel was shared with two other barangays, Barihan and Pinagbakahan.
 |
| Photo souvenir with the original Santisima Trinidad |
But it is the original “larawan” that remained in the altar mayor for as long as one can remember, around which the people of the barangay anchored their faith, love and devotion. In time, the chapel was shared with two other barangays, Barihan and Pinagbakahan.
 |
| SANTISIMA TRINIDAD NA BATA, dated 1762 |
Over the years, miracles have been attributed by residents
to the workings of the Santa Trinidad—impossible favors granted, incurable afflictions healed, and babies safely
delivered despite delicate pregnancies. The 3 barangays celebrate the fiesta of
their revered patron annually, every Trinity Sunday, while in separate feast in
October is celebrated for their secondary patron, Birhen ng Santo Rosario.
 |
| BEFORE & AFTER DEMOLITION/CONSTRUCTION PHOTOS |
In 1981, the year when the old chapel was scheduled for
demolition to give way to a new, more expansive building, a most unfortunate
event happened. On October 27, the original Santisima
Trinidad was stolen from the central niche of the altar. All efforts were exerted
to find the lost icon and the criminals who committed this dastardly act—to no
avail.
 |
| REPLACEMENT TRINITY IMAGES |
When all hopes seemed lost, a generous family from
Olongapo—the Bartletts—donated 3 vintage 1950s dressed mannikin
images (de vestir) to the chapel of the much-saddend barangays. From Olongapo, the images
were taken to Malolos and translated to Brgy. Santisima Trinidad by procession.
Somehow, the pain of the loss was alleviated by the arrival of these images
that now occupy the main altar.
 |
| MAIN ALTAR WITH DRESSED IMAGES |
With this positive and happy turn of events, the people
of 3 barangays have become more of hopeful for the safe recovery and return of
their patron, Santisima Trinidad. The community of santo aficionados (and that
includes camareros, private collectors, antique shop owners and their middlemen,
santo carvers and artisans, auction houses, religious stores, priests and
church groups, heritage and cultural advocates) are enjoined to be vigilant and
to be on the look-out for this image. Like the Blessed Trinity, there is
strength in numbers, and together--even after 36 years-- we are confident we can make a miracle happen.
CREDITS:
MANY THANKS TO MR. CHRISTOPHER CUNANAN, for the information and all pictures used in this article, and for calling my attention to this lost icon.
CREDITS:
MANY THANKS TO MR. CHRISTOPHER CUNANAN, for the information and all pictures used in this article, and for calling my attention to this lost icon.
