A province steeped in a rich blend of history and culture, Laguna has so much to offer for Catholic devotees and tourists this coming Holy Week.
We’ve all known about pilgrimage sites and shrines here in the province that draw thousands of devotees during Christianity’s most solemn occasion.
For example, there is the famed Santo Sepulcro Shrine in San Pedro City, Laguna, where the image of Jesus Christ in the Holy Sepulchre (fondly known to devotees as “Lolo Uweng”) is venerated by the thousands of pilgrims who flock to Barangay Landayan during Holy Week.
But if you want to explore other less known churches in Laguna province – or if you’re the type who avoids the crowds – there are still other places for you to explore. Here are some “off the beaten track” churches and pilgrimage sites here in Laguna province you can include in your Visita Iglesia this Lenten season.
Saint John the Baptist Church, Liliw
Situated near Mount Banahaw, Liliw has long been known as the "Tsinelas Capital" of the Philippines. Tucked in this small town is the Saint John the Baptist Church, a red brick baroque-style cathedral that was first built in 1620 and was reconstructed in the 19th century. A small passageway leads to a chapel dedicated to San Buenaventura, where a first-class relic of the Italian Saint Bonaventure is kept. The image of the saint is also the subject of miracles, as it reportedly wept and sweated blood during the 17th century.
Saint John the Baptist Church, Calamba City
This church, situated near the Jose Rizal Shrine in the heart of Calamba City, has special historical as well as religious significance for Calambeños. The original structure, built in 1859, served as the christening site of national hero Jose Rizal. It was later reconstructed after being destroyed during World War II in 1945.
Transfiguration of Our Lord Parish Church, Cavinti
Cavinti, a small town situated near Pagsanjan, is home to another Spanish-era church – the Transfiguration of Our Lord Parish, the only Roman Catholic church in the town. The original church was built on the site where, according to legend, an image of Jesus Christ, El Salvador del Mundo (Divine Savior of the World) was found by two brothers. When they took the picture to their home in Lumban, in their amazement, they found that the image was lost. They continued to look and were amazed to find the image in exactly the place they first found it. The church, like many others in Laguna province, was subsequently repaired after damage due to earthquakes.
Saint James the Apostle Parish Church, Paete
This church, originally built in 1646, is another testament to the artistic talents of the people of Paete, long known as a center of papier-mache and wood carving. The church's facade and interior were decorated with bas reliefs and wall paintings of Saint Christopher, created by Paete's artisans. Another notable feature of the church is Mariano Cagahastian Madriñan's replica of his own work of Mater Dolorosa, known for its movable parts that can be made to portray scenes in the Stations of the Cross during the annual Lenten procession.
San Antonio de Padua Parish Church, Pila
The Pila Church, constructed in 1578, is one of the earliest churches in Laguna province and is also the first Antonine parish church in the country. Originally built at Pagalangan (now part of the town of Victoria), the present-day structure was built in 1800 after a flood in Pagalangan. One of the church's notable features is the third-oldest church bell in the Philippines, first cast in 1681 and has since survived natural calamities and the British occupation of the Philippines in 1762.
Immaculate Conception Parish Church, Santa Cruz
Although Santa Cruz is the capital of Laguna province, its importance is often overlooked by tourists – and its church is no exception. Located at the heart of the town is the Immaculate Conception Parish Church, another Spanish-style church that was built in 1608. Beside the devotion to the Virgin Mary, the church also houses an image of the Holy Guardian Angel, whose devotion started in 1678 by Fernando de la Concepcion.
Santa Maria Magdalena Parish Church, Magdalena
Churches in the Philippines, aside from their religious significance, also played an important role in the country's history. The Santa Maria Magdalena Parish Church, constructed in 1820, is one of those churches. According to the annals of Philippine history, revolutionary leader General Emilio Jacinto sought refuge in the church after being wounded in the Battle of Maimpis in 1898. Legend says his bloodstains can still be found inside the church, where a marker was set up in his memory.
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