The acacia tree

The 225-year old church in Palompon and the acacia tree is a landmark in this place since I was a child. I grew up in Libertad St. Central III which is walking distance from the church and the acacia tree. (photo from Pa J, Palompon.multiply)

The church and the acacia tree. (pics from palompon. multiply.com)

(picture from Papa J)

The acacia branches spread far and wide to cast their willing shadow on a larger area. The tree has been there for more than sixty years. The old photograph of Palompon dated 1944 proved that acacia tree has been there even before the war era. The tree is less than twenty meters from the church, but the elderly recounted that the place where the old belfry of Palompon church is located is near where acacia tree stands today. The church in this town, which was constructed more than four hundred years ago is a mute witness of the town’s colorful history.

The church was partly destroyed during the conquest of Leyte of the USAFFE Liberation Forces in 1944. The belfry was smashed, and a part of the structure was reduced to rubble. The acacia tree was spared however. The bomb almost hit the young acacia tree then, but the tree survived and grows taller, and sturdier, becoming the brawniest trees hereabout.

After the war, the church physical appearance has changed, and yet the acacia tree is still there becoming more sturdy as the years past by. Transient vendors displayed their novena booklets, statues, rosary beads, necklaces and other wares under the acacia tree. They built their umbrellas and tents under it, especially during fiesta. Every churchgoers are familiar with the tree, and almost all people in this town. This is the only acacia tree within the poblacion, the other one is outside the town proper, in San Isidro (Lo-ok) one kilometer from here. It was believed that the priests or somebody from the church planted the acacia tree.

Today, the church details were very visible-its imposing stone façade and magnificent design that made compatible of its original architectural make up. Its antique characteristics was masterfully restored during the time of Msgr.Cesar Petilla, H.P. now in the United States, who was the parish priest in Palompon until 2005.

The church looks mysterious and magical. Unknown to many, it has been the place of refuge of the Palomponganon forefathers who was spared by the onslaught of Moro raids in the 16th and 17^th century.

My memory of acacia tree was when we celebrate the Biernes Santo. We gather at the tree in decorating the carro (carriage) of the Santo Entierro (Jesus of Nazareth) during that celebration. We look for flowers and lukdo-lukdo around and then helped other in decorating the carro. After that, Arroz Caldo is served or landang, which is common during Holy Week in this town.

Until now the acacia tree is still there, and it looks greener and greener. I hope that people will not remove or uproot it, whatever development that the Church will introduce in that area.