Through this blog, I hope to influence you with one of my hobbies— church hopping! I’ve included one church per region. Do enjoy reading!
Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Peñafrancia (Camarines Sur)
Naga City is known to be the Pilgrim City of the Bicol region. It’s actually one of the largest Marian sites of devotion in the entire Asia. Amazing, right? Yearly, thousands of devotees and pilgrims flock the city to join in celebrating the festival of our most loved Ina, Our Lady of Peñafrancia. This image of the Virgin Mary is housed in Basilica Minore.
The church took years in the making: 1960 was for conceptualization made by the late Archbishop Pedro Paulo Santos y Songco; 1976, start of construction; 1981, completion; 1985, concession as Basilica Minores (from Church of Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia) by a decree from Sacred Congregation of Worship. Its history is as vibrant as its stained glass images and, rich as oil paintings that tell stories of faith.
Parroquia Nuestra Señora dela Porteria (Albay)
The name translates to Our Lady of the Gate Parish in English. You might be wondering why it is called such— “gate.” The name traces its roots from a Franciscan lay brother who was saved by the image of the Holy Mother, which he eventually placed at the lobby of the convent he worked at. Reception of the convent is called a “Spanish porteria,” and the friars has adopted the name as the for this holy home in Daraga, Albay.
The church is located on top of Sta. Maria hill, which makes it quite a challenge reaching especially for tourists who are first-time goers. However, I personally think every climb is worth it. After a few minutes of walk, you’d feel unequalled joy with the beautiful view you would see.
St. John the Baptist Church (Catanduanes)
Common to the locals as Bato Church, St. John the Baptist Church, is the oldest church in the province. It’s one of those that has been built upon introduction of Catholicism by the Spaniards to the natives. That dates back latter part of the 16th century! Made with coral and mortar, it stands strong till present. It was really built to last— to withstand storms, earthquakes and other natural calamities.
Do visit this church and be in touch with the heritage, not just of Catanduanes, but the Philippines, too!
Barcelona Church of Sorsogon
Wow! Sounds like it’s somewhere in España, right? But this one’s in the Bicol region. Cool enough learning about, the place and the church really did get their names from Barcelona, Spain. Friars then longed for their original home, and then seeing similarity of the place to theirs, named it after that.
Barcelona Church, or St. Joseph Parish, is a haven of rich history. Having been built in 1874, it is also one of the oldest and most well-preserved churches in the Bicol region. It has undergone several restorations, but at present still has the bell tower and original walls intact.
Masbate Cathedral
This church has a very interesting history as it’s been placed under the patronage of the Archdiocese of España; and became of part of the Diocese of Manila, of Nueva Caceres, and of Sorsogon, until finally, Masbate became an independent province on March 23, 1968; Parish of Saint Anthony of Padua then became the cathedral.
Fall in love with Masbate Cathedral along Quezon Street in Masbate City! It had undergone major repair including expansions, but you’d still be walking on the original center floor and be looking up to see the vestiges on the ceiling if you go there.
Parroquia de San Pedro Apostol (Camarines Norte)
Four hundred seven (407) years— wow! Just wow! Established in 1611, Parroquia de San Pedro Apostol, or St. Peter the Apostle Church is the oldest church in the province. With such significant role in the history CamNorte, it was given the “Provincial Cultural Treasure Award” in 1997.
Make sure you don’t miss dropping by and lighting a candle the next time you visit. It’s just at Vinzons, Camarines Norte. You’d easily spot it at the town’s poblacion as a “Porta Petri” was built in front of the parish last 2011.
Those are just six of the churches I know. There are definitely more to go to. Make sure you have them as part of your trips!
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