THE FIRST day of Simbang Gabi at the Church of San Lorenzo de Martir in Balangiga town, Eastern Samar was welcomed by the ringing of one of its historic bells.
One of the three Balangiga bells was rung before the mass was officiated early Sunday morning. All the three bells were displayed before the altar as churchgoers celebrated Simbang Gabi.
The bells are set to be temporarily installed in a mini-park within the church compound while awaiting the renovation of the bell tower, Fr. Lentoy Tybaco said.
People from other towns also continued to visit the church to see the Balangiga bells and take some pictures with them.
The Balangiga bells were taken by American soldiers in 1901 as a war trophy. Last week, they have been returned to the Philippines after over a century.
In a separate thanksgiving mass held on Saturday night after its handover ceremony attended by President Rodrigo Duterte, the historic bells were used for a religious purpose after 117 years.
The churchgoers were able to watch the reconsecration of the bells which were later displayed inside the church. (With a report from GMA News/PN)
