HISTORIC BELL RETURNED

— Parishioners of the Saints Peter and Paul Church in Bauang, La Union, pay tribute to the 400year-old San Pedro Bell, which was returned yesterday after being taken by American soldiers in 1901.

BAUANG, La Union — Taken by American troops during the Philippine-American War in 1901, the 400-year-old San Pedro bell has been brought back to where it belongs – the Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church, here.

Yesterday, a simple ceremony installed the bell at its original home after 115 years of being placed at the Most Holy Trinity Catholic Chapel at West Point Academy in New York, USA.

“After more than a century, we are so glad that we now have the opportunity to once again hear the call of San Pedro to our church services,” said Fr. Ronald Chan, the parish priest, in his remarks during the unveiling and ceremonial rites.

The bell was installed in front the church, left side of the main door.

Most Reverend Rodolfo Beltran, Bishop of the Diocese of San Fernando, La Union, officiated the mass during the ceremonial rites attended by representatives from the United States Embassy in Manila, US war veterans, the West Point Association of the Philippines, parishioners, local officials, and residents.

“I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to the US military for the return of the bell, the voice of God,” Beltran said, who made the ceremonial ringing of the bell after it was unveiled to its new destination.

Mayor Martin de Guzman of Bauang thanked all those who facilitated the return of the bell especially retired US Navy Captain Dennis Wright who discovered the existence of the bell through research work.

“This bell is very important to us. It is our long lost treasure. The return of the bell would strengthen our faith and further unite us here in our town,” De Guzman said.

The bell was transported from the West Point Community in New York, USA on April 30 and arrived in the Philippines, at Clark Pampanga, last May 17.