In time for the Museums And Galleries Month 2022, the Diocese of Tagbilaran and the Parish of the Immaculate Conception in Baclayon, in collaboration with the University of Santo Tomas Graduate School – Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics, officially reopened on October 14, 2022, the eve of the ninth anniversary of the 7.2-magnitude Bohol earthquake.
The opening ceremony was led by Most Reverend Alberto S. Uy, D.D. the Bishop of Tagbilaran diocese, with welcome message from Msgr. Harold Anthony S. Parilla, Immaculate Conception Parish priest and Vicar General of the diocese. A special message was delivered by Atty. Edgardo M. Chatto, 1st Bohol Congressional District Representative, and a video message from Dr. Rene R. Escalante, Chair of National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) was also shown. Bp. Uy conduct a short rite of the opening of the museum doors followed by a museum tour by Dr. Eric B. Zerrudo, CCCPET Director. The museum was conceptualized by composite team organized by USTGS-CCCPET.
The Museo Parroquial de Baclayon: Tagbilaran Diocesan Museum of Liturgical Arts is located at a section of the old convent of one of the oldest churches in the country, the La Purisima Concepcion de la Virgen Maria Parish Church. Built in 1727, the Baclayon Church has been a repository of priceless liturgical and cultural artifacts which reflect the rich Boholano history and heritage. With the retooling of the museum, outstanding pieces from the parish collection are presented against the backdrop of the liturgical seasons, showing visitors the context in which these objects were used or being used in the different liturgical celebrations and observances. Fr. Milan Ted Torralba, Chair of the Diocesan Commission for Church Cultural Heritage and alumnus of the Cultural Heritage Studies Program, initiated this serial development of church museums, part of the faith-based tourism program of the Diocese.
