Thursday, May 1, 2008

The New St. Alphonsus Church: The Door

The Door of the new St. Alphonsus has certain qualities that are considered unique. Instead of being attached to the walls, it is equipped with two pivots attached to the ceiling. When the door is opened, it provides three entrances (center and two sides). Made of narra by the famous carvers of Betis, Pampanga, its front show carvings of the life (left side) and death (right side) of the Lord. From inside the church are panels showing the back side of the carving in front.

The importance of the Door of the church is one that has been forgotten. In the tradition of the church, The Door serves as the symbol of the beginning or entrance to a new event, for example, the school year of a Catholic school, a parish, or any Catholic institution. The liturgy usually begins outside The closed Door. Then, The Door will be tapped twice by the toe of The Cross and then The Door will be opened formally inaugurating a new season or year. In can also be a symbol of being welcomed to the House of God.

In our parish, we had begun the tradition of closing The main Door as soon as the Sunday masses begin. Those who come late will suffer the humiliation of entering via the side door. It is therefore encouraged that everyone who will come to worship be inside the church on time.

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