Among the works that Natl. Artist Napoleon Abueva has produced, one is a cross at SMSC. At the chapel of Seminario Mayor de San Carlos in Cebu stands a monumental crucifix created by National Artist Napoleon Abueva, the acclaimed Father of Modern Philippine Sculpture. A native of Bohol, Abueva broke new ground in Philippine art, shaping modern forms while deeply honoring Filipino identity and tradition. This particular crucifix is especially remarkable—not only for its size and artistry but also for its material. Abueva sculpted it out of an old electrical post, with some staples and other remnants still embedded in the wood, making it a powerful symbol of transformation: from something ordinary and utilitarian into a profound work of sacred art. This work by Napoleon Abueva is a testament to faith and art in one. |UnknownCebu| In 2013, when a devastating earthquake struck Bohol and Cebu, the crucifix suffered partial damage, most visibly to the fingers of the corpus. Yet it continues to endure, much like the faith and resilience of the community it serves. Abueva, who passed away on February 16, 2018, left behind countless masterpieces, but this crucifix remains among his most spiritually moving legacies.
Recognizing its immense historical and cultural value, the Cebu City Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission (CHAC), supported by the City Council, has declared both the seminary and Abueva’s crucifix as Important Cultural Properties. Under the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 (RA 10066), this declaration ensures additional safeguards, conservation support, and government aid for its preservation, while ownership remains with the Archdiocese of Cebu. Such recognition highlights the crucifix not only as a religious icon but also as a cultural treasure that embodies artistry, faith, and resilience. More than wood, staples, and remnants, it is a living testament to Abueva’s genius—an enduring symbol of how art redeems the ordinary, sanctifies history, and continues to inspire reverence across generations. |U.C.S|
|UnknownCebuStudios|
Sources:
John Paul Seblos, “San Carlos Seminary, Abueva Crucifix to Be Declared Important Cultural Properties,” SunStar Cebu, February 7, 2025, accessed September 9, 2025, https://www.sunstar.com.ph/…/san-carlos-seminary-abueva…
Nathalie Tomada, “Art Appreciation by National Artist Napoleon Abueva,” The Philippine Star (Freeman Cebu Lifestyle), November 16, 2007, accessed September 9, 2025,
Hildegard Tanada, Instagram post, photo, April 2019, https://www.instagram.com/p/B_NLIKGlb-Q/
