By Benjie de Ubago
While most Filipin
o migrants aspire to build or buy properties in the Philippines, one Filipino-Australian built a chapel in a town in Iloilo City. Francisco Rovero, a Thomasian, a graduate of the UST College of Fine Arts (1970) did just that!
Almost a decade in the making, the Rovero Chapel called “Glory in the Garden” now stands as a symbol of hope and gratitude at Sitio Gata, Mali-ao, Pavia, Iloilo. The Chapel can accommodate around 60-70 people.
The idea was planted way back in 2015 when a relative gifted his wife, Gloria with a piece of land. What to do with the land was the question?
Their initial plan was to build a boarding house on the property. Realising the management difficulties that could arise, they shifted to the thought of building a “caro” to carry the Saint for the town’s annual procession. Then a spark of inspiration came to them upon seeing children aged 5-12 years old going house to house daily to pray the rosary. So, finally they decided to build a chapel on the site for the townsfolk.
Top photo is the exterior of Glory in the Garden Chapel; bottom photo of the interior of the chapel.
He and his wife then proceeded to acquire the adjacent properties for the chapel. Guided by divine providence, and despite his eye problems, Rovero took on the challenge of completing the chapel.
True to the words of Christ, “Upon this rock, I will build my Church” Frank erected a circular Chapel to resemble a rock. Every part of the chapel, from the ceiling to the altar, and every painting that hangs was done out of love and carries biblical significance.
Photos from the Inaugural mass held in 2024.
The chapel has 7 corners and the ceiling has 7 partitions. Rovero completed 73 paintings for the ceiling, which were inspired by themes from the 73 books of the bible – from Genesis to the Revelation. It took him 3 years to complete the paintings which were done during the isolation days of the pandemic. As synchronicity would have it, even the carpenter who helped build the chapel was a friend whom he reconnected with after 33 years. Coincidence or divine providence?
The basic chapel design was inspired by the Society of St Paul Publishing House in Sydney where his wife worked. The main altar was based on the altar from Cain and Able’s story. Behind it hangs a huge cross depicting the resurrection of Christ. The chosen statue of the Virgin Mary is the “Queen of the Apostle. The walls behind the altar is a mosaic made of recycled coconut shells which have been cut to pieces and varnished.
“To those who much is given, much is expected,” said Rovero. As an artist, he had been gifted with creative talent and he took on the task single-handedly -from concept, to the architectural design and every painting – and poured his passion.
“There were times, when I wondered if my health would hold through and what the theme of the next painting would be. But I was guided by the Holy Spirit,” said Frank.
On the 2 March 2024, the Rovero family flew to the Philippines for the inaugural mass which was concelebrated by four priests led by Rev. Father Celso Godilano, along with Rev. Father Ruben Areno, Rev. Father Leonardo Ellezar and Rev Mark Joseph Hormigoso. Over 200 people were in attendance including the Mayor, Vice Mayor and a Congressman.
The Rovero Family.
“This has been a project of my wife, Gloria and I. We’ve been blessed to have been able to migrate to Australia in 1985 with our three children and somehow we now feel that we’r e in a position to give back, ” said Frank.
Last month marked the first anniversary of the “Glory in the Garden” Chapel and the town folk celebrated. Rovero claims that there’s much more to be done. There is still the landscaping and sculptures for outside the chapel. He also hopes to install the Stations of the Cross outside the chapel. “Who knows how far we can go in terms of finances and most especially with my health,” said Frank. “The Mayor had promised at the opening to pave the road leading to the chapel, but who knows,” quips Frank.
It definitely has been no mean feat. But as far as one proud Thomasian is concerned, this is the fulfillment of a prayer – “Thy will be done.”
Frank painting one of his masterpieces.
Photos courtesy of the Rovero Family.
2 April, 2024
