The Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral is embarking on a P30 million renovation project in time for the 75th anniversary of the elevation of Cebu to an archdiocese. The renovation works aim to enhance the historical and heritage value of the church. Spearheading the project is Fr. Brian Brigoli who has a Masters degree in cultural heritage from the University of Sto. Tomas in Manila. He is also the curator of the Cathedral Museum of Cebu.

Work has already began on the church plaza and the perimeter fence. The facade of the cathedral was recently cleaned thus removing dirt and plants that have overgrown between stones. Cracks between stones will be filled to prevent rainwater from seeping and roots of plants from encroaching. A new public restroom was also built some distance away from the cathedral. The roofing, electrical, plumbing and water system were also checked and changed.

The renovations, supported financially by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), will bring back the retablos of the main and side altars. Images of some of Cebu’s popular devotions like St. Anthony of Padua, St. Vincent Ferrer, the Immaculate Concepcion, and St. Vitalis, the cathedral’s patron saint, will be installed. Three custom-made chandeliers will be installed while the interior of the church will be repainted and embellished. Carillon bells will also be installed by March 2009.

The cathedral is expected to be elevated into a basilica after Cardinal Vidal submitted an application to the Pope this year. If the application is approved by Pope Benedict XVI, the cathedral will then be called as the “Minor Basilica of St. Vitales.”

Cebu was one of the three original dioceses alongside with Nueva Caceres and Nueva Segovia when the archdiocese of Manila was created in 1595. In 1933, it was elevated to an archdiocese with Gabriel Reyes as the first archbishop.

Below: The current interiors of the cathedral.