Dearest readers, this is the second, and last, part of my early Visita Iglesia 2020. Read the first part: LAGUNA VISITA IGLESIA 2020: PART 1 (OF 2)
To recap, we visited three churches so far: Nuestra Señora de la Natividad Parish Church, in the town of Pangil, St. Peter of Alcantara Parish Church, in the town of Pakil, and St. James the Apostle Parish Church, in the town of Paete.
So, allow Tita S to continue and finish our early Visita Iglesia 2020. After a late lunch, we had four more churches to go:
- Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Church, in the town of Pagsanjan
- Mary Magdalene Parish Church, in the town of Magdalena
- John the Baptist Parish Church, in the town of Liliw
- San Antonio de Padua Parish Church, in the town of Pila
The fourth church we visited was Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Church, in the town of Pagsanjan. We recited the Visita Iglesia prayer for the fourth church, reflected, prayed for personal concerns and again included protection and a cure for COVID-19.
Facade, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Church, Pagsanjan, Laguna
Decree of Erection, , Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Church, Pagsanjan, Laguna
Interior, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Church, Pagsanjan, Laguna
Statues of Our Lady of Guadalupe: (left) at the altar and (encased)at the right, middle side), Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Church, Pagsanjan, Laguna
Do not forget to go to this side chapel. The stone-relic of Tepeyac Hill where Our Lady appeared, is displayed here.
If you want to virtually visit this church, ala Visita Iglesia, through this post by looking at the pictures, here is the prayer for the fourth church:
VISITA IGLESIA PRAYER – FOURTH CHURCH
(Kneel) In the Name… L: Let us praise the Lord, A: and give him thanks!
LET US PRAY:
L: Holy Spirit, you who reveal Jesus to us, help us to discover him in his Eucharistic presence;
Beneath the veil of the Host, show us the powerful and generous Christ of the Gospels;
Let us see the Good Shepherd who knows each one of us, watches over us and calls us by name;
Allow us to listen to the incomparable Master who presents His doctrine and wishes to enlighten us in all things.
A: Let us touch the Savior whose contact heals, and transforms bodies and souls;
Let us recognize this friend, happy to live with us and share our human existence;
Allow us to recognize the victim of Calvary who spares nothing of the gift of Himself to obtain for us pardon and holiness.
Give us a profound attachment to Jesus in the Eucharist; that his ardent desire to remain among us be met by our readiness to welcome Him.
L: Holy Virgin, you who knew how to look at Jesus and penetrate the most profound depth of his person:
Teach us to look at Him, to look at him at length and quietly, in the tabernacle where he is present.
Teach us to listen in silence to the words which he speaks to us and establish an intimate dialogue with him.
A: Let us see the marvels which he desires to work in the depths of our souls.
Teach us to appreciate his closeness to us and the immeasurable friendship he shows us.
Help us to respond to his love with all the fire of our being, and like you, to immerse ourselves in a loving gaze on him.
L: Lord Jesus, as we contemplate on the miracle of your precious Body and Blood, help us to revere this sacred mystery more in our daily life. May we reflect and ponder on your great love for us that made you offer yourself as a Holy and Living Sacrifice for all. Teach us to love you in every Altar at every Mass. May we recognize your sacred presence in Holy Communion. Most of all, help us to live in the spirit of the wondrous sacrament of love and sacrifice for all.
You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.
A: AMEN.
(sit) Reader: From the Gospel of John. (15, 18-27)
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates me hates my Father as well. If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’
“When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.
The Gospel of the Lord.
All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!
Reflection…
(kneel) Prayer:
Throughout the years, Lord Jesus, a lot of people showed their hatred towards your Eucharistic presence. Sacrileges done inside and outside the Church offended you so much. Many were led astray due to their false interpretations of the Sacrament which you alone provide. This gave much offense to your Eucharistic Presence, dear Lord.
Accept our sincere act of repentance for these and other wrongdoings of the world, Lord Jesus. We promise to express our deep concern and love for this memorial of your saving work for us. This might lead us to become the enemies of the world, but we know you’ll never leave us and that you’ll provide the Consoling Spirit that will make us energized and prepared to defend your precious Body in words and actions. Guide us, O Lord. We depend on your providence. Amen.
We shall spend this time for our personal prayer.
All: Soul of Christ, sanctify me; Body of Christ, save me; Blood of Christ, inebriate me
Water from the side of Christ, wash me; Passion of Christ, strengthen me
O good Jesus, hear me; within Thy wounds, hide me
Permit me not to be separated from Thee; from the malignant enemy, defend me
In the hour of my death, call me, and bid me come unto Thee
That with thy Saints I may praise Thee, forever and ever. Amen.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… In the name of the Father …
Here are the highlights about our fourth church:
- Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Church, in Pagsanjan. Laguna, is the home of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Know more about the latter in a related post: NOW YOU KNOW: OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
- It is the oldest church in the Philippines under the patronage of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The statue is a representation of the Virgin Mary in Her appearance before San Juan Diego in a vision in 1531.
- This church was designated as the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Pablo in 2012.
- A side chapel near the altar houses an image of San Juan Diego, a replica of the tilma of Our Lady of Guadalupe and a stone relic from Tepeyac Hill, Mexico City in 1531, the site of the apparition of Our Lady. So, dearest Seniors, if you cannot go to Mexico, why not visit this church in Pagsanjan?
Read more about this church in my post: OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PARISH CHURCH, PAGSANJAN
The fifth church was St. Mary Magdalene Parish Church, in the town of Magdalena, about 25-30 minutes away because of roadworks. We recited the Visita Iglesia prayer for the fifth church, reflected, prayed for personal concerns and again included protection and a cure for COVID-19.
Interior, St. Mary Magdalene Parish Church, Magdalena, Laguna
Altar, St. Mary Magdalene Parish Church, Magdalena, Laguna
Statue of St. Magdalene inside St. Mary Magdalene Parish Church, Magdalena, Laguna
Looking towards the entrance, , St. Mary Magdalene Parish Church, Magdalena, Laguna
A small side chapel, , St. Mary Magdalene Parish Church, Magdalena, Laguna
If you want to virtually visit this church, ala Visita Iglesia, through this post by looking at the pictures, here is the prayer for the fifth church:
VISITA IGLESIA PRAYER – FIFTH CHURCH
(Kneel) In the Name… L: Let us praise the Lord, A: and give him thanks!
LET US PRAY:
L: Holy Spirit, you who reveal Jesus to us, help us to discover him in his Eucharistic presence;
Beneath the veil of the Host, show us the powerful and generous Christ of the Gospels;
Let us see the Good Shepherd who knows each one of us, watches over us and calls us by name;
Allow us to listen to the incomparable Master who presents His doctrine and wishes to enlighten us in all things.
A: Let us touch the Savior whose contact heals, and transforms bodies and souls;
Let us recognize this friend, happy to live with us and share our human existence;
Allow us to recognize the victim of Calvary who spares nothing of the gift of Himself to obtain for us pardon and holiness.
Give us a profound attachment to Jesus in the Eucharist; that his ardent desire to remain among us be met by our readiness to welcome Him.
L: Holy Virgin, you who knew how to look at Jesus and penetrate the most profound depth of his person:
Teach us to look at Him, to look at him at length and quietly, in the tabernacle where he is present.
Teach us to listen in silence to the words which he speaks to us and establish an intimate dialogue with him.
A: Let us see the marvels which he desires to work in the depths of our souls.
Teach us to appreciate his closeness to us and the immeasurable friendship he shows us.
Help us to respond to his love with all the fire of our being, and like you, to immerse ourselves in a loving gaze on him.
L: Lord Jesus, as we contemplate on the miracle of your precious Body and Blood, help us to revere this sacred mystery more in our daily life. May we reflect and ponder on your great love for us that made you offer yourself as a Holy and Living Sacrifice for all. Teach us to love you in every Altar at every Mass. May we recognize your sacred presence in Holy Communion. Most of all, help us to live in the spirit of the wondrous sacrament of love and sacrifice for all.
You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.
A: AMEN.
(sit) Reader: From the Gospel of John. (17, 1-5)
Jesus lifted his eyes toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!
Reflection…
(kneel) Prayer:
Jesus, we feel your great glory in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, the sacrament of “Thanksgiving”. In your death and resurrection, you gave new life to the world, and likewise you manifested your glory over all things. You never left us empty-handed for in the Holy Mass you continue to manifest this glorious wonder to all believers.
May we be continuously strengthened by this glory – the Glory of God in our midst through the Sacrament of Divine Love. May you continue to shine in glory in ever Mass we attend, in every sacred host we receive. May we be glorified as well when we take you into ourselves. Transform our weak bodies into glorified bodies like yours. And when death comes, call us to be in total happiness with you in the Kingdom in Heaven where you live and reign forever. Amen.
(We shall spend this time for our personal prayer.)
All: Soul of Christ, sanctify me’ Body of Christ, save me; Blood of Christ, inebriate me
Water from the side of Christ, wash me; Passion of Christ, strengthen me
O good Jesus, hear me; within Thy wounds, hide me
Permit me not to be separated from Thee; from the malignant enemy, defend me
In the hour of my death, call me and bid me come unto Thee
That with thy Saints I may praise Thee, forever and ever. Amen.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… In the name of the Father …
Here are the highlights about the fifth church we visited:
- Maria Magdalene Parish Church is a Roman Catholic church in Magdalena, Laguna, dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene.
- This Baroque church is mainly made of sandstone and is elevated by a flight of steps facing the plaza (town square).
- Its gold colored retablo, highlights Mary Magdalene, with smaller statues of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to the left and the Immaculate Conception to the right, at a lower level.
- To the left of the exterior of the church is a four-storey octagonal bell tower with a square base, finished in 1861.
- In its convent, Filipino revolutionary leader General Emilio Jacinto sought refuge and his blood stains were preserved where he was wounded.
Read more about this church in my post: ST. MARY MAGDALENE PARISH CHURCH, MAGDALENA, LAGUNA
Our sixth church was St. John the Baptist Parish Church, in the nearby town of Liliw, about 10 minutes from Magdalena. We recited the Visita Iglesia prayer for the sixth church, reflected, prayed for personal concerns and again included protection and a cure for COVID-19.
Facade, St. John the Baptist Parish Church, Liliw, Laguna
Interior, St. John the Baptist Parish Church, Liliw, Laguna – Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/SJBP.Liliw/photos/a.2825494230899942/1816522191797156/?type=3&theater
Retablo, St. John the Baptist Parish Church, Liliw, Laguna – Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/SJBP.Liliw/photos/a.672539432862110/25341568233367019/?type=3&theater
If you want to virtually visit this church, ala Visita Iglesia, through this post by looking at the pictures, here is the prayer for the sixth church:
VISITA IGLESIA PRAYER – SIXTH CHURCH
(Kneel) In the Name… L: Let us praise the Lord, A: and give him thanks!
LET US PRAY:
L: Holy Spirit, you who reveal Jesus to us, help us to discover him in his Eucharistic presence;
Beneath the veil of the Host, show us the powerful and generous Christ of the Gospels;
Let us see the Good Shepherd who knows each one of us, watches over us and calls us by name;
Allow us to listen to the incomparable Master who presents His doctrine and wishes to enlighten us in all things.
A: Let us touch the Savior whose contact heals, and transforms bodies and souls;
Let us recognize this friend, happy to live with us and share our human existence;
Allow us to recognize the victim of Calvary who spares nothing of the gift of Himself to obtain for us pardon and holiness.
Give us a profound attachment to Jesus in the Eucharist; that his ardent desire to remain among us be met by our readiness to welcome Him.
L: Holy Virgin, you who knew how to look at Jesus and penetrate the most profound depth of his person:
Teach us to look at Him, to look at him at length and quietly, in the tabernacle where he is present.
Teach us to listen in silence to the words which he speaks to us and establish an intimate dialogue with him.
A: Let us see the marvels which he desires to work in the depths of our souls.
Teach us to appreciate his closeness to us and the immeasurable friendship he shows us.
Help us to respond to his love with all the fire of our being, and like you, to immerse ourselves in a loving gaze on him.
L: Lord Jesus, as we contemplate on the miracle of your precious Body and Blood, help us to revere this sacred mystery more in our daily life. May we reflect and ponder on your great love for us that made you offer yourself as a Holy and Living Sacrifice for all. Teach us to love you in every Altar at every Mass. May we recognize your sacred presence in Holy Communion. Most of all, help us to live in the spirit of the wondrous sacrament of love and sacrifice for all.
You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.
A: AMEN.
(sit) Reader: From the Gospel of John. (17, 6-19)
Jesus lifted his eyes toward heaven and prayed: “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.
“I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!
Reflection…
(kneel) Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you are the eternal High Priest. In your sacrifice in Calvary, you gave a perfect sacrifice which is sufficient for every time and place. Through the hands of the priest, you continuously give yourself to us, and at the same time offer yourself to the Father.
We now pray and offer to you all your priests who tirelessly give us your Body and Blood in every Mass we attend. Unworthy as they may be, keep them pure and worthy in mind, word and deed for them to really celebrate the Sacrament of Love in persona Christi Capitis. Deliver them from every possible temptation, and may they and their ministry inspire others to live a holy and pure life as you did here on Earth. Amen.
(We shall spend this time for our personal prayer.)
All: Soul of Christ, sanctify me; Body of Christ, save me; Blood of Christ, inebriate me
Water from the side of Christ, wash me; Passion of Christ, strengthen me
O good Jesus, hear me; within Thy wounds, hide me
Permit me not to be separated from Thee; from the malignant enemy, defend me
In the hour of my death, call me and bid me come unto Thee
That with thy Saints I may praise Thee, forever and ever. Amen.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… In the name of the Father …
Here are the highlights about sixth church we visited:
- Saint John the Baptist Parish Church, Liliw Church or Lilio Church, is the Roman Catholic church in Liliw, Laguna, in honor of St. John the Baptist.
- This church is known for its striking red bricked and adobe facade and Baroque style
- The church has three retablos, or altars, finished in gold leaf. The retablo mayor (main altar) at the center contains thirteen niches across four levels, housing statues of saints. At the center of the lowest level contains the tabernacle. The two minor retablos on each side houses four niches of saints.
- The grounds outside the church have been developed to promote Christian teachings for pilgrims. At the middle of the patio, named Patio de Sagrada Familia, is a white statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. On both sides, there are several elevated white statues of different saints who are the patron of each barangay in the town.
Read more about this church in my post: ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH CHURCH, LILIW, LAGUNA
I wanted the group to have coffee and cheesecake in Arabela but it was full and we could not wait because we still had to go to one more church. If you want to know more about this favorite restaurant of mine at the foot of Mt. Banahaw, read my post: ARABELA: Awesome Coffee Shop at the Foot of Mount Banahaw
However, before the group left Liliw, we proceeded to a side street where pasalubong, fresh fruits (chico, tamarind, papaya, guyabano, star apple), kuhol, crablets, pako, atchara, sinantolan, etc. are sold. We also passed by Mabini Street to purchase the special uraro of Gonzales. I will write about this yummy treat after the pandemic.
We returned to Pagsanjan where I parked my vehicle, and convoy-style, we reached the last church at about 6PM. It was San Antonio de Padua Parish Church, in the town of Pila. We recited the Visita Iglesia prayer for the seventh (last) church, reflected, prayed for personal concerns and again included protection and a cure for COVID-19.
Facade, San Antonio de Padua Parish Church, Pila, Laguna – Photo source: Photo by JJ Carpio, own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, created 9 April 2015, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pila_Church#/media/File:JC_Pila_57.JPG
Interior, San Antonio de Padua Parish Church, Pila, Laguna – Photo source:
Interior, looking towards the entrance, San Antonio de Padua Parish Church, Pila, Laguna – Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/NationalShrineOfSanAntonioDePadua/photos/a.795217050503088/3087949651229805/?type=3&theater
If you want to virtually visit this church, ala Visita Iglesia, through this post by looking at the pictures, here is the prayer for the seventh church:
VISITA IGLESIA PRAYER – SEVENTH CHURCH
(Kneel) In the Name… L: Let us praise the Lord, A: and give him thanks!
LET US PRAY:
L: Holy Spirit, you who reveal Jesus to us, help us to discover him in his Eucharistic presence;
Beneath the veil of the Host, show us the powerful and generous Christ of the Gospels;
Let us see the Good Shepherd who knows each one of us, watches over us and calls us by name;
Allow us to listen to the incomparable Master who presents His doctrine and wishes to enlighten us in all things.
A: Let us touch the Savior whose contact heals, and transforms bodies and souls;
Let us recognize this friend, happy to live with us and share our human existence;
Allow us to recognize the victim of Calvary who spares nothing of the gift of Himself to obtain for us pardon and holiness.
Give us a profound attachment to Jesus in the Eucharist; that his ardent desire to remain among us be met by our readiness to welcome Him.
L: Holy Virgin, you who knew how to look at Jesus and penetrate the most profound depth of his person:
Teach us to look at Him, to look at him at length and quietly, in the tabernacle where he is present.
Teach us to listen in silence to the words which he speaks to us and establish an intimate dialogue with him.
A: Let us see the marvels which he desires to work in the depths of our souls.
Teach us to appreciate his closeness to us and the immeasurable friendship he shows us.
Help us to respond to his love with all the fire of our being, and like you, to immerse ourselves in a loving gaze on him.
L: Lord Jesus, as we contemplate on the miracle of your precious Body and Blood, help us to revere this sacred mystery more in our daily life. May we reflect and ponder on your great love for us that made you offer yourself as a Holy and Living Sacrifice for all. Teach us to love you in every Altar at every Mass. May we recognize your sacred presence in Holy Communion. Most of all, help us to live in the spirit of the wondrous sacrament of love and sacrifice for all.
You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.
A: AMEN.
(sit) Reader: From the Gospel of John. (17, 6-19)
Jesus lifted his eyes to Heaven and prayed: “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!
Reflection…
(kneel)
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you are in the Father, just as he is in you. In the Holy Eucharist, you continuously manifest your total unity with us. This is one big grace that no mere mortal can understand, except for those enlightened by your Word and Grace.
We pray you, Lord! May we be one with you and the Father in every Mass we participate. May we feel that we are never alone when we receive you in Communion; that you dwell deep within us. Make us feel loved, strengthened, sanctified. Never leave us after which, and guide us that you may be manifested in us every time we communicate and work with others. May we be Eucharistic People, a people of glory chosen for your service and divine mission here in Earth. Amen.
We shall spend this time for our personal prayer.
All: Soul of Christ, sanctify me; Body of Christ, save me; Blood of Christ, inebriate me
Water from the side of Christ, wash me; Passion of Christ, strengthen me
O good Jesus, hear me; within Thy wounds, hide me
Permit me not to be separated from Thee; from the malignant enemy, defend me
In the hour of my death, call me and bid me come unto Thee
That with thy Saints I may praise Thee, forever and ever. Amen.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… In the name of the Father …
CLOSING PRAYER
Praises of God (by Saint Francis)
You are holy, Lord, the only God, and Your deeds are wonderful.
You are strong. You are great. You are the Most High. You are Almighty.
You, Holy Father are King of heaven and earth.
You are Three and One, Lord God, all Good.
You are Good, all Good, supreme Good, Lord God, living and true.
You are love. You are wisdom. You are humility. You are endurance.
You are rest. You are peace. You are joy and gladness.
You are justice and moderation. You are all our riches, and You suffice for us.
You are beauty. You are gentleness. You are our protector.
You are our guardian and defender.
You are our courage. You are our haven and our hope.
You are our faith, our great consolation.
You are our eternal life, Great and Wonderful Lord,
God Almighty, Merciful Savior.
ADORATION
(For each invocation the response is: *To You be praise and glory forever)
Body of Christ conceived of the Blessed Virgin Mary*
Body of Christ, sacrificed on the cross*
Body of Christ, risen from the tomb*
Blood of Christ, price of our ransom*
Blood of Christ, the seal of new alliance*
Blood of Christ, drink of eternal life*
Heart of Christ, pierced through with the lance*
Heart of Christ, rich in mercy*
Heart of Christ, source of love*
(For each invocation the response is: *Give us your salvation)
Living Bread come down from heaven*
Living Word of the Father*
Giver of the Holy Spirit*
Bridegroom of Holy Church*
Redeemer of the world*
Friend of the young and the poor*
When You come on the last day*
Let us pray:
Lord Jesus Christ, You gave us the Eucharist as the memorial of Your suffering and death.
May our worship of this sacrament of Your body and blood
help us to experience the salvation Uou won for us
and the peace of the kingdom where You live
with the Father and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen.
L: Divínum auxílium máneat semper nobíscum.
A: Amen.
In the name…
Here are the highlights about seventh, and last, church we visited:
- The Church of Pila, also called San Antonio de Padua Parish Church, is a church dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua in 1581, making it the first Antonine church in the Philippines, and probably in Asia. Its feast is June 13.
- The Diocese of San Pablo dedicated this parish church as the Diocesan Shrine of San Antonio de Padua on July 9, 2002, as declared by Pope John Paul II.
- This church was elevated as the National Shrine of San Antonio de Padua by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on April 23, 2019, the first church under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of San Pablo to receive such status, and the 25th shrine in the Philippines.
- The red bell tower of Pila Church is one of its distinguishable features.
- The oldest surviving church bell of Pila was cast on the centenary of the parish in 1681, with the Franciscan emblem and the inscription “San Antonio de Pila”. It survived British invaders in 1762 when the people of Pila submerged it in Laguna de Bay, facing the church. It is now the third-oldest church bell in the Philippines.
- The wooden altar is a massive structure that holds a relic of St. Anthony’s garment.
- The church has a three-level facade with classical Doric columns.
- The church complex of San Antonio de Padua is part of the Pila Historic Town Center, together with the town center (plaza) and 35 old houses and buildings, which was proclaimed as a National Historical Landmark.
- They say that the residents wanted to rebuild this church according to the original plan, so they got together in 1804, and moved it brick by brick, stone block by stone block, from the old site to this current location. The move was completed in 1816. Such dedication as a community! This community spirit is needed during this 2020 pandemic!
Read more about this church in my post: SAN ANTONIO DE PADUA PARISH CHURCH, PILA, LAGUNA
So, dearest readers, I hope you joined us virtually in our early Visita Iglesia. I purposely did not use any footnotes in this two-part Visita Iglesia post. If you want to know more about the seven churches we visited, please visit the links I provided.
Did you find this post informative? I would like to hear from you about any Visita Iglesia you made in Laguna or elsewhere.
See other interesting places through other posts in this category and other categories of SCapades, Pinoy Delights, and Smart Traveler – Now You Know, Short and Simple, and Say, Say, Say. Happy reading, and I hope that you will appreciate what I shared and some of the featured destinations will be part of your future travel plans!
Remember to share this post with your friends, follow me by clicking on the bottom right corner of your device, and do not forget to like this post. Thank you.
Tita S Travels 
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