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 his hometown. 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” Chapel now stands as a symbol of hope and gratitude at Sitio Gata, Mali-ao, Pavia, Iloilo. The Chapel can accommodate around 50 people.
The idea was planted way back in 2015 when the 200 sq. metre piece of land was gifted to his wife, Gloria for a long outstanding debt repayment. 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 enter the garage daily to pray the rosary. So, finally they decided to turn the small garage on the site into a chapel.
Top photo is the exterior of Glory in the Garden Chapel; bottom photo of the interior of the chapel.
Guided by divine providence, and despite his eye problems, Rovero took on the challenge of completing the chapel.
“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 of doing the paintings which he did during the pandemic. Every part of the chapel, from the ceiling to the altar, and every painting that hangs was done out of love and reflects a bible story.
Photos from the Inaugural mass held in 2024.
As synchronity would have it, the completed chapel holds special numbers that are of great significance in the bible. 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. 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. 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 are made of recycled coconut husks cut into tile pieces highlighting the coconut industry of the region.
“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.
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. Although not invited, the Mayor and a Congressman attended the inaugural mass last year and had promised 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 fulfilment of a prayer – “Thy will be done.”
Frank painting one of his masterpieces.
Photos courtesy of the Rovero Family.
2 April, 2024
