Ligao City Library and Museum/ March 14-25, 2026/ 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
In the solemn rhythm of the Lenten season—when reflection deepens and faith is made visible through devotion—Missio Ex Cruce (“Mission from the Cross”) opens its doors to the public at the Ligao City Library and Museum. More than an exhibit, it is a contemplative journey that brings together sacred art, regional devotion, and the enduring call to mission. Launched on March 14, 2026, this Lenten exhibit forms part of the observance of the Church’s Year of Mission, inviting visitors not only to look, but to encounter.
From 9:00 in the morning until 9:00 in the evening, the museum transforms into a sacred space where silence speaks, and images proclaim. At the heart of Missio Ex Cruce is a compelling collection of religious images—each carrying with it a story of faith, craftsmanship, and community. The exhibit features invited private collections from the Bicol provinces of Sorsogon, Camarines Sur, and Albay. These pieces, often kept within homes and passed down through generations, are now shared with the wider public, offering a rare glimpse into the intimate expressions of Filipino religiosity. Complementing these are the processional images from the St. Stephen the Protomartyr Parish in Ligao City. These santos—familiar figures during Holy Week rites—are presented in a new light, allowing visitors to appreciate their artistic detail and spiritual significance beyond the streets and into a curated, reflective setting. Spearheading this meaningful initiative is the Parish Altares and Sacred Statue Owners Association of St. Stephen the Protomartyr, whose dedication to preserving and promoting sacred heritage is evident in every carefully arranged display. Their collaboration with collectors and the local community underscores a shared mission: to keep faith alive not only in ritual, but in memory, artistry, and collective identity. Walking through the exhibit, one encounters more than carved wood and painted faces. Each image becomes a silent catechist—inviting reflection on suffering, sacrifice, and redemption. In a time when the call to mission resonates strongly, Missio Ex Cruce reminds us that the cross is not merely an endpoint, but a beginning—a sending forth. As visitors step out of the exhibit halls and back into the bustle of daily life, they carry with them more than admiration for sacred art. They bring a renewed sense of purpose: that from the cross flows a mission—lived in compassion, service, and unwavering faith.
Missio Ex Cruce runs until March 25, 2026. This is open to all for free.
