More than simply serving as a bulwark of the Catholic faith, the Diocesan Shrine of Jesus in the Holy Sepulchre in Barangay Landayan, San Pedro City, Laguna has contributed to the overall socio-economic growth of the city for decades.
This view was upheld by the Sangguniang Panglungsod of San Pedro City, as it honored the vital role of two relics of the shrine – more popularly known as “Lolo Uweng Shrine” – in shaping the culture and heritage of the city.
The two ordinances, which were unanimously passed by the local city council last February 16, declared the original image of the Santo Sepulcro (Holy Interment) and the original bell of the Santo Sepulcro Church as City Cultural Treasures.
The ordinances affirmed the role played by Lolo Uweng Shrine in enhancing local culture and promoting the city beyond its boundaries to the Philippines and the world.
The original image of Jesus Christ in the Holy Sepulchre was brought to San Pedro, Laguna during the early days of the Spanish occupation of the Philippines.
The most accepted story is that it was found floating in the Laguna de Bay by a fisherman who brought the image to Barrio Landayan.
Here, a small bisita (chapel) was built to house the image, which rapidly gained devotees due to miracles and wonders attributed to it.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre was declared a Parish on September 29, 1969, and a Shrine on December 1, 2006.
Today, thousands of devotees from Laguna province and beyond flock to the shrine during Fridays, and that number swells especially during the commemoration of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection at Holy Week.
The original bell of the Santo Sepulcro Shrine, on the other hand, was made of bronze and cast probably in the early 19th century, as attested by the date 1836 that was carved into the lip.
The bell has since cracked and was replaced, but it is now housed inside the Santo Sepulcro Shrine as another relic of the deep adoration held by devotees of Lolo Uweng.
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