Faith is not something designed to function alone. Jesus taught community with the disciples and the early church in Acts 2. This one major aspect is what sets the Christian faith apart from all the others. When it is done right, community propels the body of believers. These believers will build people up and reach out. They love others, help the poor and needy and carry each other’s burdens. Without it they would not exist collectively and would struggle to follow Christ individually. It’s the most important reason for the church’s existence and the one that is most often overlooked. However, when community is embraced, the result is staggering.

The Baroque Churches of the Philippines is the official designation to a collection of four Spanish-era churches in the Philippines, upon its inscription to the UNESCOWorld Heritage List in 2003. "21 World Heritage Sites you have probably never heard of". They are also one of the most treasured in the Country.

The collection is composed of the following:

San Agustin Church in Manila

San Agustin Church is a Roman Catholic church under the auspices of The Order of St. Augustine, located inside the historic walled city of Intramuros in Manila.In 1993, San Agustin Church was one of four Philippine churches constructed during the Spanish colonial period to be designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, under the collective title Baroque Churches of the Philippines. It was named a National Historical Landmark by the Philippine government in 1976.

Santa Maria Church in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur

The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption (Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion), commonly known as the Santa Maria Church is the parish church of Santa Maria inIlocos Sur province, Philippines. The church was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on December 11, 1993 as part of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines, a collection of four Baroque Spanish-era churches.[2]

The Santa Maria Church is an attraction to both tourists and Catholics in Ilocos Sur. It is not only a reminiscent of the four centuries of Spanish domination of that area but also a unique structure with a diversified architectural design of bricks and mortar. It was built on top of a hill not only as a lookout and a citadel but as a religious center during the early administration of the region by both the friars and soldiers of Spain.

San Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte

he Church of Saint Augustine, commonly known as the Paoay Church, is the Roman Catholic parish church of the municipality of Paoay, Ilocos Norte in thePhilippines. Completed in 1710, the church is famous for its distinct architecture highlighted by the enormous buttresses on the sides and back of the building. In 1993, the church was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one best examples of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines.Paoay church is prime example of Earthquake Baroque architecture, which is the Philippine interpretation of the European Baroque adapted to the seismic condition of the country. Destructive earthquakes are common and have destroyed earlier churches all throughout the country. Aside from Baroque, the church facade also exudes Javanese architecture reminiscent of Borobudur of Java.

Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Church in Miag-ao, Iloilo

The Miagao Church also known as the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church is a Roman catholic church located in Miagao, Iloilo, Philippines. It was also called theMiagao Fortress Church since it served as defensive tower of the town against Muslim raids. The church was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on December 11, 1993 together with San Agustin Church in Manila; Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion Church in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur; and San Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte under the collective title Baroque Churches of the Philippines, a collection of four Baroque Spanish-era churches.

These churches have been at the forefront of Philippine history, not just in furthering Christianity in the archipelago, but in serving as the political backbone of Spanish colonial rule, when Church and State were regarded as one. The unique architecture of the churches did not just reflect the adaptation of Spanish/Latin American architecture to the local environment (including the fusion with Chinese motifs), but also of the Church's political influence. These churches had been subject to attacks by local revolts and rebellions, hence, most had the appearance of a fortress, rather than just serving as mere religious structures. This

is especially noteworthy in the case of Santa Maria Church, located on top of a hill, serving as a citadel during times of crisis. Miag-ao Church also withstood the occasional attacks of Muslims from the south. Further, the location of the Philippines along the Pacific Ring of Fire called for the emphasis on the buttresses and foundations of these churches, with some being seriously damaged, but eventually rebuilt after an earthquake.

Aside from these five churches, another church which is inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List is the Vigan Cathedral under the inscription Historic Town of Vigan. The Philippine National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has also designated the conservation and protection of more than 30 other Spanish-era churches to be of utmost importance. These were registered as National Cultural Treasures.

These churches were given priority status not just due to their historical value, but also based on the geographic representation of various regions across the nation:

The interior of the San Agustín Church in Intramuros (Manila).

1. Parish Church of San Agustin in Bacong, Negros Oriental

Bacong is a fourth-class municipality in the province of Negros Oriental, Philippines. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 32,286 people. Bacong was the hometown of the Visayan hero of the Philippine Revolution, Pantaleon Villegas, better known as León Kilat.

2. Parish Church of the Immaculate Conception in Balayan, Batangas

Balayan is a first class municipality in the Province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the 2010 Philippine Census of Population and Housing, it has a population of 81,805 people.

Balayan is bounded by Tuy on the north; Calatagan and Lian on the west, Calaca on the east and the Balayan Bay on the south. The town is rich among the natural resources of sugarcanes, coconuts and corn. Significant events includes the Parada ng Lechon (every June 24) and the Feast of Immaculate Conception celebrated every December 8 of the year. Widely known products originating from the area include the Bagoong Balayan.

3. Santiago Apostol Parish Church (Parish Church of Santiago Apostol in Betis) Guagua, Pampanga

Betis Church or the Parish Church of St. James the Apostle is a Baroque church located in the Betis area of Guagua in Pampanga, Philippines. The church, established in 1607, was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) under Republic Act 4896 as amended by Presidential Decree 374 and Republic Act 8492 on November 5, 2001. The church is one of only 26 churches in the country bestowed that honor. It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of the Archdiocese of San Fernando. In 2009, the National Museum installed a marker of its 2005 Proclamation.

The church is dedicated to Saint James (Aramaic Yaʕqov, Greek Ιάκωβος, died 44 AD), also known as "Saint James the Moor-slayer", who was one of the Twelve Apostles ofJesus. He was a son of Zebedee and Salome, and brother of John the Apostle. He is also called James the Greater to distinguish him from James, son of Alphaeus, also known as James the Less).

4. Parish Church of Patrocinio de Maria in Boljoon, Cebu

Boljoon (also spelled Boljo-on, pronounced "bull-who-on") is a fifth class municipality in the province of Cebu, Philippines. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 15,027 people.

Boljoon has a total land area of 11,700 hectares (29,000 acres). It is bounded by Alcoy in the north, Oslob in the south, Malabuyoc in the west, and Bohol Strait in the east.

5. Parish Church of Saint Rose of Lima in Gamu, Isabela

Saint Rose of Lima, T.O.S.D. (April 20, 1586 – August 24, 1617), was a Spanish colonist in Lima, Peru, who became known for both her life of severe asceticism and her care of the needy of the city through her own private efforts.

A lay member of the Dominican Order, she was the first person born in the Americas to be canonized by theCatholic Church.

As a saint, Rose of Lima is designated as a co-patroness of the Philippines along with Saint Pudentiana, who were both moved as second-class patronage in September 1942 by Pope Pius XII, but remains the primary patroness of Peru and the indigenous natives of Latin America.

6. Parish Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Calasiao, Pangasinan

The 1588 Parish Church of Saints Peter and Paul, commonly known as Calasiao Church or "Iglesia Parroquial de San San Pedro y San Pablo" is aBaroque (heritage) Church. It is located in Poblacion West, Poblacion, 2418 Calasiao, Pangasinan. The Spanish-colonial-era Church was declared a National Cultural Treasure (because of its age and history) by the National Museum of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (Philippines) (NCCA), under R.A. 4896 (as amended by P.D. 374 and R.A. 8492), on September 29, 2001 (5th of only 26 Filipino churches bestowed that honor).

It belongs to the Ecclesiastical Province of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan, in the Vicariate of Sts. Peter and Paul. It has a Catholic population of 57,840 with Feast day of June 29. The Team Moderator is Rev. Fidelis B. Layog, assisted by Team Members, Rev. Isidro Palinar, Jr., & Rev. Raymund Manaois. In 2009, the National Museum installed a marker of its 2001 Proclamation.

The Calasiao church is a National Shrine. It is named after "Saints Peter and Paul". Saint Peter or "Simon Peter" was an early Christian leader and one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. Peter is featured prominently in the New Testament Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles and is venerated as a saint. The son of John or of Jonah or Jona, he was from the village of Bethsaida in the province of Galilee or Gaulanitis.

Paul the Apostle' (c. AD 5 – c. AD 67; also "the Apostle Paul", "Saint Paul" and "Saul of Tarsus". is perhaps the most influential early Christian missionary . The writings ascribed to him by the church (the Pauline epistles) form a considerable portion of the New Testament. The influence on Christian thinking of the epistles ascribed to him has been significant, due in part to his association as a prominent apostle of Christianity during the spreading of the Gospel through early Christian communities across the Roman Empire. James, son of Zebedee, (Aramaic Yaʕqov, Greek Ιάκωβος, died 44 AD), was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. He was a son of Zebedee and Salome, and brother of John the Apostle. He is also called "James the Greater" to distinguish him from James, son of Alphaeus, who is also known as James the Less).

The most revered holy place, Parish Church of Saints Peter and Paul's (5th of the 26 Spanish colonial-era churches) conservation and restoration was spearheaded by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. The National Museum in 2001 declared it and the 25 Churches as National Cultural Treasures. The Calasiao church (second in Pangasinan, following San Carlos') was adjudged as possessing "outstanding historical, cultural, artistic and/or scientific value and are representative of the original church-building orders of Augustinians, Franciscans, Jesuits, Dominicans, and Augustinian Recollects, and all the major regions of the country."NCCA

The 25 other Churches are: Bacong (Negros Oriental), Balayan (Batangas), Santiago Apostol Parish Church Betis (Pampanga), Boljo-on (Cebu), Calasiao (Pangasinan), Dupax (Nueva Vizcaya), Guiuan (Samar), Jasaan (Misamis Oriental), Jimenez (Misamis Occidental), Lazi (Siquijor), Loboc (Bohol), Luna (La Union), Mahatao (Batanes), Magsingal (Ilocos Sur), Majayjay (Laguna), Maragondon (Cavite), Masinloc (Zambales), Pan-ay (Capiz), Romblon (Romblon), Rizal (Cagayan), San Joaquin (Iloilo), Tabaco (Albay), Tanay (Rizal), Tayabas (Quezon), Tayum (Abra), and Tumauini (Isabela).

7. Parish Church of San Vicente de Ferrer in Dupax del Sur, Nueva Vizcaya

Considered as well-preserved church complex in Nueva Vizcaya, San Vicente de Ferrer Church in Dupax del Sur is among the town's best preserved Spanish colonial monuments. Constructed in the 18th century by the Dominican order, it is one of the oldest stone churches in Northern Luzon and was declared a National Cultural Treasure. Parish Church of the Immaculate Conception in Guiuan, Eastern Samar

8. Parish Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan

It was built in 1767 and is one of surviving Spanish colonial buildings in Cagayan Valley. During WWII, the edifice suffered destruction and as a result lost its pipe organ, three

wooden retablos, pulpit, wooden choir loft and the painted wooden ceiling all of which were from the early 18th century.

9. Parish Church of the Immaculate Conception in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental

The Immaculate Conception Church (Spanish: Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Inmaculada Concepcion) is a Baroque church located in Poblacion, Upper Jasaan inMisamis Oriental, Philippines. It was declared by the National Museum as a National Cultural Treasure in Northern Mindanao due to its artistic design and cultural values.

The church was a provincial attempt to mimic the famous San Ignacio Church of Intramuros in Manila. The Jesuit brothers Francisco Rivera and Juan Cuesta are credited with the construction of the original church.[1] At present, the church is undergoing repair and restoration pursuant to the National Cultural Heritage Act otherwise known as the "Cultural Properties Preservation and Protection Act".

10.Parish Church of San Juan Bautista in Jimenez, Misamis Occidental

The Parish Church of St. John the Baptist in Jimenez, Misamis Occidental is considered the best preserved heritage church in Mindanao. This unique church (so much different compared to the typical Spanish era churches in the rest of the country) is listed as one of 26 colonial churches considered as National Cultural Treasure and one of two from Mindanao (the other is in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental). Constructed by the Augustinian Recollects in the second half of the 19th century.

11.Parish Church of San Isidro Labrador in Lazi, Siquijor

The Lazi Roman Catholic Church now known as San Isidro Labrador Parish Church (St. Isidore Church) was built in 1884 through the supervision of Recollect Fray Toribio Sanchez, with the same indigenous materials used in the construction of the Lazi Convent. The Philippine National Commission by virtue of the same Presidential Decrees covering the declaration of the Lazi Convent also declares it as one of the historical, landmarks of the Philippines. Like the Lazi Convent, it now invite appreciation and admiration of visiting local and foreign tourists.

San Isidro Labrador Parish Church is located in the southern part of the island of Siquijor in the Philippines. It is meters away from the Port of Lazi. On a nearby area going north, one can reach Cambugahay Falls while going to the south east area, about 4 kilometers, one can reach Ilihan Cave.

12.Parish Church of San Pedro and San Pablo in Loboc, Bohol

The churches in Bohol are a distinct collection of Roman Catholic churches established during the early Spanish colonial period in the island-province Bohol, in the Philippines. Four of these churches - Baclayon, Loboc, Loon, and Maribojoc - are declared as National Cultural Treasures for its cultural, historical and architectural importance to the Filipino people.

On October 15, 2013, one of the largest earthquakes to hit Bohol struck the island at 8:12 AM. The M7.2 earthquake centered near Sagbayan, Bohol devastated the region severely damaging the centuries-old churches of the province in Baclayon, Dauis, Dimiao, Loay, Loboc, Loon and Maribojoc. Loon Church, reported as the largest in Bohol and one of the oldest, was destroyed and turned into a pile of rubble by the shaking. The Church of Maribojoc was also completely leveled to the ground by the quake with nothing left standing.

The quake also destroyed newer churches made with reinforced concrete. The San Isidro Labrador Church in Tubigon lost its facade and other structures in the church complex. The Saint Michael Parish Church ofClarin, also made with reinforced concrete, collapsed leaving just the bell tower and the front of the church standing. The Inabanga Church also collapsed leaving just the facade and back of the building.

13.Parish Church of Santa Catalina de Alejandria in Luna, La Union

Parish Church of Santa Catalina de Alejandria (Luna, La Union). Built in the 18th-19th centuries by the Augustinians. The church houses one of the most important pilgrimage sites during the colonial era--the shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan.

14.Parish Church of San Carlos Borromeo in Mahatao, Batanes

San Carlos Borromeo Church, Mahatao, Batanes

San Carlos Borromeo Church, also known as Mahatao Church, is a Roman Catholic church located in Mahatao, Batan Island, Batanes, Philippines. Its beauty and excellent state of preservation made it a National Cultural Heritage Treasure by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) on July 31, 2001.

The church is made of stone and lime, common building materials in Batanes. Its interiors, decorated in Baroque style, showcase floral designs sunburst ornaments painted in polychrome and gilt which lends a golden glow among the statuary.

15.Parish Church of San Gregorio Magno in Majayjay, Laguna

The San Gregorio Magno Parish Church (Filipino: Simbahan ng Parokya ni San Gregorio Magno), also known as Majayjay Church and St. Gregory the Great Parish Church, is one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in the Philippines located in the municipality of Majayjay in Laguna. It is recognized by the National Museum as aNational Cultural Treasure (Level 1).[1] The current parish priest is Rev. Fr. Robin A. Dagala.

16.Parish Church of the Assumption of Our Lady in Maragondon, CaviteOUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION PARISH CHURCHThe church was built on 1618. The 395 year old church was recently declared by the National Museum and the National HistoricalInstitute (now National Historical Commission of the Philippines or NHCP) as a Historical and Cultural Site [June 30, 2001 - The National Library/Museum declared the church as a National Cultural Treasure (Pambansang Yamang Pangkalinangan) pursuant to PD No. 374.] This is one of its kind in the province of Cavite and one of the 26 oldest churches in the Philippines. It is noted for its intricate retablos located at the main altars. It has graced numerous book written on church art especially those written by Regalado Trota Jose, a prominent church art scholar. A favorite among its unique features are the impressive doors with very interesting carvings. The pulpit and the tombstones of the famous parishoners of the town including Father Cenon Villafranca and Don Vicente Somoza. It is located at Poblacion 1A.

17.Parish Church of San Andres in Masinloc, Zambales

 MASINLOC WAS OFFICIALLY STARTED AS A RECOLLECT RDOCTRINAS BY FR. ANDRES DE ESPIRITU SANTO DEDICATED TO SAN ANDRES APOSTOL. THIS CAME ABOUT THROUGH THE INTERCESSION OF FR. RODRIGO SAN MIGUEL OF MISSION MARIVELES. HE CONVINCED THE PROVINCIAL VICAR IN BAGUMBAYAN TO SEND MISSIONARIES TO MASINLOC - A PLACE AT THAT TIME THAT HAD ABUNDANT PLANTS THAT GREW TO A METER AND A HALF WITH THIN STALKS AND WIDE LEAVES THE NATIVES CALLED RJINLOCS- THUS, THE TOWN DERIVED ITS NAME MASINLOC. THE ORIGINAL RPUEBLOS THOUGH, WAS ESTABLISHED AROUND BANI AND FUGUI (TUGUI).

A 1616 DOCUMENT STATING P. FRANCISCO DE SAN GUILLERMO REQUESTING CONSTRUCTION OF CONVENT AND CHURCH OF SAN ANDRES IN MASINLOC USING RMATERIALES FUERTESS POINTS TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THE PRESENT CHURCH AND CONVENT COULD HAVE BEEN MADE FROM STATED SAME MATERIALS. THE 2ND PRINTED DOCUMENT RRESENAS GIVES US INFORMATION THAT IN 1839 MAJOR REPAIRS WERE DONE IN THE CHURCH AND THE CONVENT. 

18.Parish Church of Santa Monica in Panay, CapizPanay is located on a plain of very fertile land irrigated by the river of the same name; the climate is rather humid due to the abundant nipa fields and the low sea level. It is bounded by the Sea of Mindoro to the north, Pontevedra to the south and the town of Capiz (Roxas City) to the west. The town is located on the Panay River floodplain and it is said that when the river overflows its banks the flood waters easily reach the main altar in the church.The original name of the settlement was Bamban and it was changed by the early Spaniards to Panay, a word which means “mouth of the river.” This is also the location of a fortress built by Juan de la Isla in late 1570.The Augustinians accompanied the first Spanish expeditions to prevent any harm being done to the natives, as ordered by their Prior.  It is Friar Martin de Rada who is said to have been the first to priest to preach the gospel on the banks of the river in Bamban. He was subsequently south to Dumangas in Iloilo to continue his missionary work.Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, the expedition leader, set up his headquarters in Panay in 1569, moving them from Cebu because this was more fertile territory and the region could his

forces with plenty of rice and seafood during an emergency added to which the natives were friendly and received the Spaniards well.

19.Cathedral of San Jose in Romblon, RomblonThe Cathedral of St. Joseph was one the 26 colonial churches declared as NationalCultural Treasures in 2001. The church, dating back to the 15th Century, was constructedby the Augustinian Recollects, and its interior features several Baroque-style retablos.Behind the church is Fort Santiago, one of the two forts in Romblon, Romblon. But Ididn't climb up since the locals said there's nothing much left.But Fort San Andres on the opposite hill is a lot more intact. Built at about the same timethe church was constructed, its main purpose was to alert the town about the arrival ofMoro pirates. A 210-step stone stairway will bring you up to the fort where a PAG-ASAstation is located.

20.Parish Church of San Joaquin in San Joaquin, IloiloThis unique church was built between 1859 and 1869 in the settlement that was founded in 1591. Construction started in 1859 and was completed in 1869. Friar Thomas Santaren was the parish priest between 1855 and 1866 and oversaw most of the project. It is built of limestone quarried in Igbaras and sea coral gathered along the seashore in the immediate area.But, what makes this church truly unique is its facade. Nowhere on the facade of the church are there any renditions of religiously oriented artworks. Rather, the facade memorializes the victory of Spanish forces over the Moroccan (Moors) army at the Battle of Tetouan.

21.Parish Church of San Juan Bautista in Tabaco City, Albay

The church of San Juan Bautista in Tabaco City is one of the most stately religious structures in the province of Albay. According to the Estado Geografico Estadistico Historico written in 1805 by Father De Huerta, the recorded history of the city began in 1587 through the missionary work of the Franciscan Fathers. A church dedicated to St. John the Baptist, the city’s patron saint, was first built in Tabaco in 1616 by Fr. Pedro De Alcareso. The construction of the present church started in 1864 and was completed in 1879. The Tabaco Church is unique among Philippine churches because the stones used to build the church bears the distinct marks of the Masons.

22.Parish Church of San Ildefonso in Tanay, Rizal

San Ildefonso Parish Church (also known as Tanay Church) is a Roman Catholic church located in Tanay, Rizal, Philippines.

23.Parish Church of San Pablo in San Pablo, Isabela

This church is considered the oldest church in the province of Isabela. It was founded by Padre de Sto. Tomas in 1646. The façade is now on its ruins but the altar is still on its original state and only little renovation has been made. Only half of the whole church is still in use, the other half is part of the ruins.

24.Basilica of St Michael the Archangel in Tayabas, Quezon

The Minor Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel, commonly known as the Tayabas Basilica, is a Roman Catholic basilica located in Tayabas, Philippines. It is the largest church in the province of Quezon and is renowned for having the shape of a key. Locals often refer to the church as Susi ng Tayabas ("The Key of Tayabas").

25.Parish Church of Santa Catalina de Alejandria in Tayum, Abra

Santa Catalina de Alejandria Church, located in Tayum, Abra, is claimed to be the best preserved church complex in the province and is considered a National Cultural Treasure.

The church was built in the 19th century by the secular clergy who were on a mission for the Tinguian tribe. Across the church is the convent which was turned into a house for nuns and is presently a school. The small shrines of the Via Crucis are found around the churchyard, continuing to the main streets. The church's highlights are the palayok art motifs while the examples of early Tinguian art, like the carved baptismal window, are

kept in the bishop's residence in Bagued. Its belfry, a water resorvoir inside the structure, gives a view of the Cordillera mountains, the Abra valley and the Abra river.

26.Parish Church of San Matias in Tumauini, Isabela

Tumauini is a first class municipality in the province of Isabela, Philippines. According to the 2010 census, it had a population of 58,463 people. There is little commercial activity for a town of its size, however, there is a sizeable market providing venues for sales of fruits, vegetables, meats, VCDs, and firecrackers.

27.Parish of The Most Holy Rosary, Nuestra Señora Virgen del Santissimo Rosario, Reina de Caracol in Rosario "Salinas", Cavite

The Blessed Virgin Mary is depicted as Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary. The Virgin, in blue and red clothes, seems to be sitting on clouds above what seems to bepurgatory. In her left arm, she carries the Infant Jesus and in her right hand, the cross of a 15 decade Rosary. The Infant Jesus is garbed in a light blue attire. In his right hand he holds a globe with a cross on top symbolizing his role as protector of the earth. In his right left hand he holds one end of the Rosary. The icon of the Nuestra Señora Virgen del Santissimo Rosario, Reina de Caracol is painted on canvas and framed in wood with silver adornments of grapes and vines. The painting is set with gold accouterments. The most venerated icon of Nuestra Señora Virgen del Santissimo Rosario, Reina de Caracol is enthroned at the altar of the Parish of The Most Holy Rosary in the town of Rosario.

28.Maribojoc Church (Bohol)

The churches in Bohol are a distinct collection of Roman Catholic churches established during the early Spanish colonial period in the island-province Bohol, in the Philippines. Four of these churches - Baclayon, Loboc, Loon, and Maribojoc - are declared as National Cultural Treasures for its cultural, historical and architectural importance to the Filipino people.

On October 15, 2013, one of the largest earthquakes to hit Bohol struck the island at 8:12 AM. The M7.2 earthquake centered near Sagbayan, Bohol devastated the region severely damaging the centuries-old churches of the province in Baclayon, Dauis, Dimiao, Loay, Loboc, Loon and Maribojoc. Loon Church, reported as the largest in Bohol and one of the oldest, was destroyed and turned into a pile of rubble by the shaking. The Church of Maribojoc was also completely leveled to the ground by the quake with nothing left standing.

The quake also destroyed newer churches made with reinforced concrete. The San Isidro Labrador Church in Tubigon lost its facade and other structures in the church complex. The Saint Michael Parish Church ofClarin, also made with reinforced concrete, collapsed leaving just the bell tower and the front of the church standing. The Inabanga Church also collapsed leaving just the facade and back of the building.

29.San Andres Apostol Church Bacarra, Ilocos Norte

The town of Bacarra was founded by Augustinians on 18 September 1590, headed by Fr. Benito Mena who was a native of Vigan. The church dates back to the 16th century. Construction was supervised by Fray Felipe Fernandez of the Order of Saint Augustine. When the first building was destroyed, it was rebuilt in 1700 and was finished by 1706 headed by Fray Diego de Mendrosqueta, Fray Miguel Abiol and Fray Antonio de Villanueva. The church was damaged by an earthquake the following year and later by yet another one. The present church was rebuilt by Fray Juan Martin that was dated around the middle of the 19th century.

Indigenous materials were used for the construction. Coral bricks made of sticky clay and molasses mixed with leaves and tree trunks of a tree soaked in water or “sablot” were used instead of cement, granite or adobe stones. The mixture resulted in a sticky fluid which was then combined with lime from ashes of burnt shells. The bricks were pieced together with stucco, the mixture beaten to paste. All the labor was manual.

30.Camarin de la Virgen, Parish Church of Nuestra Sra. De los Desamparados (Sta. Ana, Manila)Our Lady of Abandoned Church Santa Ana, Manila 1578. The original name of Santa Ana before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors was Namayan, a small settlement that was ruled by Lakan Tagkan, and his wife Buwan (meaning Moon). The Muslim kingdom’s domain stretched from what is now Mandaluyong, Makati, Pasay, and the Manila districts

of Pandacan and Paco. The Spaniards established settlements in Santa Ana, that served as the seat of Namayan, the area was awarded to the Franciscan missionaries. When theCatholic missionaries asked the natives the name of the area, pointing to the banks of the Pasig River, the locals responded with "sapa" or the Tagalog word for marshes.

31.Loon Church in Bohol (Bohol)On October 15, 2013, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake destroyed the churches of Loon, Maribojoc, and Loboc, and heavily damaged most other historic churches in Bohol. In memory of those churches, I will be placing my collection of photographs on my facebook account. More images of the churches of Loon, Loboc, Baclayon and Calape are already available. I invite everybody with detailed photographs that can be used to document those churches to share them as well.

32.Santa Monica Parish Church (Parish Church of Santa Monica in Minalin, Pampanga)

The Santa Monica Parish Church, commonly known as the Minalin Church, is a Baroque church, located in poblacion area of San Nicolas in Minalin, Pampanga,Philippines. The church, built during the Spanish era, was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the National Museum of the Philippines on August 27, 2011, one of 37 churches in the country bestowed that honor.

The parish church is part of the ecclesiastical province of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Fernando, under the Vicariate of Christ The King. The church is under the patronage of Saint Monica of Hippo, with a feast day celebrated annually on May 11. The current parish priest is Fr. Greg Vega succeeding Rev. Rolando Lopez

33.San Nicolas of Tolentino Parish Church in Dimiao, BoholThe San Nicholas Church is one of the oldest stone churches of Bohol, built in the later half of the 19th century. It is identified by its two twin bell towers at both sides of the church’s front façade and dedicated to San Nicolas Tolentino, who is also the town’s patron saint whose feast day is celebrated on every 10 September. Way in front of the church building is a tower with the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus where the “hugos” is done during dawn rites of Easter Sunday. The church houses some relics from the Spanish Regime and is being preserved.The building behind the church served once as a convent but is now a school. Fronting the Sacred Heart tower is a monument dedicated to the Philippines’ national hero,José Rizal. Across the church and across the circumferential road lies the town’s municipal hall, a typical Spanish-designed building with prominent arched windows, white painted walls and red roof.

The Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines is part of the worldwide Catholic Church, with its head being the Pope. It is also one of two nations in Asia with a predominantly Roman Catholic population (the other being East Timor), and is the third largest Catholic country in the world (after Brazil and Mexico).

The faith was brought to what is now the Philippines by Spanish missionaries and colonisers, who arrived in waves beginning in the 16th century. Compared to the Spanish Erawhen Catholicism was the de facto state religion, Christianity in the Philippines today is a spectrum of Catholic adaptation, which sits alongside various other Christian denominations of foreign and local origin. In general, the Philippines has the strongest Christian influence in Asia, and a majority of Filipinos practise the faith in different ways, from the ultra-orthodox, traditional sort, to Folk Catholicism and even Charismatic Catholicism. In 2011, it was estimated that there were 75.5 million of Filipino Catholics, or roughly 80% of the population.

The Philippines has shown a strong devotion to Mary, evidenced by her patronage of various towns and locales nationwide. Particularly, there are pilgrimage sites where each town has created their own versions of Mary. With Spanish regalia, indigenous miracle stories, and Asian facial features, Filipino Catholics have created hybridised, localised images, the popular devotions to which have been recognised by various Popes. They have generally bestowed blessings through a Canonical Coronation, and Basilica status for the image's principal shrine.

Below are some pilgrimage sites and the year they received a canonical blessing:

Our Lady of Bigláng Awà (Nuestra Señora del Prónto Socorro) Boac, Marinduque – 1978

Our Lady of Prompt Succor is a religious title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, by the Roman Catholic Church. It refers to a statue of the Madonna kept in a shrine in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. She is also known as Notre-Dame de Bon Secours.

She is the principal patroness of the state of Louisiana, the Archdiocese of New Orleans, and the city of New Orleans. Her feast day is celebrated on January 8.

Our Lady of Caysasay (Nuestra Señora de Caysásay) Taal, Batangas – 1954

Our Lady of Caysasay (Spanish: Nuestra Señora de Caysasay) is a Marian statue venerated at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay in Taal, Batangasprovince in the Philippines. The image depicting the Immaculate Conception is believed to be one of the oldest in the country. It was found in 1603 by a man named Juan Maningcad while casting his net in the nearby Pansipit River. The Marian apparitions in the early 17th century and documented by the church leaders is believed to be the first in the country. The miracles and healings attributed by the followers and devotees through the intercession of the to the Virgin of Caysasay since then, still continues to this day. [1]

The image was canonically crowned in 1954 and was later given the title the "Queen of the Archdiocese of Lipa". The feast day of Our Lady of Caysasay is celebrated every December 8 and 9. The image spend half of her week in the Shrine of Caysasay and half, at the Basilica de San Martin de Tours to satisfy the needs of the locals and followers.

Our Lady of Charity (Nuestra Señora de Caridád) - Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Charity

Our Lady of Charity also known as Our Lady of El Cobre or La Virgen de la Caridad is the patroness of Cuba, whose basilica named, Basílica Santuario Nacional de Nuestra Señora de la Caridad del Cobre (National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre) built in 1926 is situated in village El Cobre, near Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. The feast day of Our Lady of Charity is September 8.

Agoo, La Union - 1971 Bantay, Ilocos Sur – 1956

Our Lady of Consolation (Nuestra Señora de Consolación y Correa) San Agustin Church, Intramuros, City of Manila

The Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation is a minor basilica of the Roman Catholic Church and a shrine to the Virgin Mary, operated by the Conventual Franciscan Friars. It is located in Carey, a village in Northwest Ohio. It was made a national shrine by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Our Lady of Good Success (Nuestra Señora del Buen Suceso) Parañaque City – 2005

Our Lady of Good Success (Spanish: Nuestra Señora del Buen Suceso; Filipino: Ina ng Mabubuting Pangyayari), also called Our Lady of Good Events, is one of the titles of Blessed Virgin Mary. This title is shared among numerous images around the world — a number of images in Spain, one in Quito, Ecuador, and one in Parañaque City, Philippines. It is claimed that Quito's image had produced an apparition - to Mother Mariana de Jésus Torres.

Our Lady of Guadalupe (Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe) Pagsanjan, Laguna

Our Lady of Guadalupe (Spanish: Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe), also known as the Virgin of Guadalupe (Spanish: Virgen de Guadalupe), is a title of the Virgin Mary associated with a celebrated pictorial image housed in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in México City.

Official Catholic accounts state that on the morning of December 9, 1531, Juan Diego saw an apparition of a young girl at the Hill of Tepeyac, near Mexico City. Speaking to him in Nahuatl, the girl asked that a church be built at that site in her honor; from her words, Juan Diego recognized the girl as the Virgin Mary. Diego told his story to the Spanish Archbishop of Mexico City, Fray Juan de Zumárraga, who instructed him to return to Tepeyac Hill, and ask the "lady" for a miraculous sign to prove her identity. The first sign was the Virgin healing Juan's uncle. The Virgin told Juan Diego to gather flowers from the top of Tepeyac Hill. Although December was very late in the growing season for flowers to bloom, Juan Diego found Castilian roses, not native to Mexico, on the normally barren hilltop. The Virgin arranged these in his peasant cloak or tilma. When Juan Diego opened his cloak before Bishop Zumárraga on December 12, the flowers fell to the floor, and on the fabric was the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe.

The story was almost unknown until it was rediscovered in the 1640s. It soon inspired a great deal of popular religious practice. Poole argues that the Virgin became the chief devotion of the criollos, who used the story to legitimize their own Mexican and infuse it

with an almost messianic sense of mission and identity. The church of the Virgin of Guadalupe, patron of Mexico, was finished in 1701.

Juan Diego was canonised in 2002, and his tilma is displayed in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the most visited Marian shrine in the world. The representation of the Virgin on the tilma is Mexico’s most popular religious and cultural image, and under this title the Virgin has been acclaimed as "Queen of Mexico", "Patroness of the Americas", "Empress of Latin America", and "Protectress of Unborn Children" (the latter three given by Pope John Paul II in 1999). Under this title, she was also proclaimed "Heavenly Patroness of the Philippines" in July 1935 by Pope Pius XI both witnessed and signed by Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli, a designation he later rescinded in September 1942 upon becoming Pope Pius XII.

Our Lady of Guadalupe of Cebu (Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe de Cebú) Cebu City – 2006

The Santo Niño de Cebú (Spanish: Holy Child of Cebu) is a Cebuano title of Jesus Christ as an infant that is associated with a celebrated Roman Catholic religiousvested statue of the Child Jesus venerated by many Filipino Catholics who believe it to be miraculous.

Claiming to be the oldest religious image in the Philippines, the statue was originally given in 1521 as a baptismal gift by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan viaAntonio Pigafetta, who physically handed it to Lady Humamay, the principal wife of Rajah Humabon, along with a statue of the Our Lady of Guidance and a Cross.

The image merited a Papal blessing on April 28, 1965, the 400th centennial anniversary, when Pope Paul VI issued a papal bull for the Canonical Coronation and Pontifical High Mass via the papal legate to the Philippines, Cardinal Amleto Giovanni Cicognani.

The Santo Niño image is replicated in many homes and business establishments, with different titles reinterpreted in various areas of the country. The Holy Child's feast is liturgically celebrated every third Sunday of January, during which devotees carry a portable Santo Niño image onto the street fiesta dancing celebrations. The image is one of the most beloved and recognizable cultural icons in the Philippines, found in both religious and secular areas.

The image measures approximately twelve inches tall, and is believed to be originally made in Flanders, Belgium. The statue is clothed in expensive textiles, and bears animperial regalia that includes a gold crown, globus cruciger, and various sceptres mostly donated from devotees in the Philippines and abroad. It is permanently housed encased in bulletproof glass at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño.

Our Lady of Guidance (Nuestra Señora de Guia) Ermita, City of Manila – 1955

Our Lady of Guidance (Spanish: Nuestra Señora de Guia) is a 16th-century Roman Catholic image of the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Immaculate Conception that is widely venerated by Filipino Roman Catholics. A Black Madonna, the wooden statue is considered the oldest artistic depiction of Mary in the Philippines, and is believed to have been originally brought to the islands by Ferdinand Magellan (along with Santo Niño de Cebú) in the early 16th century. Locally venerated as patroness of navigators and travellers, the image is enshrined in the Nuestra Señora de Guia Archdiocesan Parish in Ermita, City of Manila.

Our Lady of La Naval (Nuestra Señora del Santíssimo Rosario de la Navál de Manila) Quezon City – 1907

Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of La Naval de Manila (Spanish: Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario de La Naval de Manila; Tagalog: Mahal na Ina ng Santo Rosaryo ng La Naval de Manila; colloquially known as Santo Rosario or Our Lady of La Naval de Manila), is both a title and an image of the Blessed Virgin Maryvenerated in the Philippines. As with the Battle of Lepanto of 1571, Filipinos credit her intercession for successfully repulsing Dutch invasion during the Battles of La Naval de Manila.

The image of Our Lady of La Naval, whose feast is celebrated every second Sunday of October, is a 16th-century ivory and wood statue enshrined at the Santo Domingo Church (formally, the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary) in Quezon City. The image, its regalia, and the Santo Domingo Church Complex have been designated National Cultural Treasure of the Philippines PH-16-0009-NCT by the government in 2009 as amongst the country's Cultural Properties

Our Lady of Lourdes (Nuestra Señora de Lourdes) Quezon City – 1951

Our Lady of Lourdes is a title of the Blessed Virgin Mary invoked by Roman Catholics in honor of the Marian apparitions said to have occurred on numerous occasions in 1858 in the vicinity of Lourdes, France. The first of these is the apparition of 11 February 1858, when Bernadette Soubirous, a 14-year-old peasant girl, admitted to her mother that a "lady" spoke to her in the cave of Massabielle (a mile from the town) while she was gathering firewood with her sister and a friend. Similar appearances of the "lady" were reported on seventeen further occasions that year.

Bernadette Soubirous was later canonized as a Saint, and Roman Catholics and some Protestants believe her apparitions have been validated by the overwhelming popularity and testament of healings claimed to have taken place at the Lourdes water spring.

In 1862, Pope Pius IX authorized Bishop Bertrand-Sévère Laurence to permit the veneration of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Lourdes. This Marian title, Our Lady of Lourdes, has been widely copied and reproduced, often displayed in shrines or homes, most notably in garden landscapes.

Our Lady of Manaoag (Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario de Manáoag) Manaoag, Pangasinan – 1926

Our Lady of Manaoag (formally: Nuestra Señora del Santissimo Rosario de Manaoag, literal translation: Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of Manaoag) is a title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary, associated with a statue in Manaoag, Pangasinan said to be from the 16th century. She is the patroness of the sick, the helpless and the needy.

The church is one of the Philippines' most widely visited Roman Catholic Pilgrimage sites. Many people from across the Philippine archipelago come and visit the town of Manaoag, where the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary is enshrined in a church dedicated to this name. The church is administered by the Dominican Order in the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan, located in Manaoag, Pangasinan, about 200 kilometers north of Manila.

Pilgrim testimonials and tales of her miraculous cures and powers of intercession for other blessings from God, spread through word of mouth nationally and eventually to foreign shores, made Our Lady of Manaoag one of the most venerated Marian images in the country. The devotees believe that the Holy water and oil from the Shrine are epulotic - possessing healing powers.

Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Queen of the Caracol (Nuestra Señora Virgen del Santísimo Rosario, Reina de Caracól) Rosario, Cavite - (coronation) 1995

The Blessed Virgin Mary is depicted as Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary. The Virgin, in blue and red clothes, seems to be sitting on clouds above what seems to bepurgatory. In her left arm, she carries the Infant Jesus and in her right hand, the cross of a 15 decade Rosary. The Infant Jesus is garbed in a light blue attire. In his right hand he holds a globe with a cross on top symbolizing his role as protector of the earth. In his right left hand he holds one end of the Rosary.

The icon of the Nuestra Señora Virgen del Santissimo Rosario, Reina de Caracol is painted on canvas and framed in wood with silver adornments of grapes and vines. The painting is set with gold accouterments. The most venerated icon of Nuestra Señora Virgen del Santissimo Rosario, Reina de Caracol is enthroned at the altar of the Parish of The Most Holy Rosary in the town of Rosario.

Our Lady of Orani (Nuestra Señora del Santo Rosario de Orani) - Orani, Bataan

The Roman Catholic church of Orani, declared as an independent parish on April 21, 1714, and also known as Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish Church ("Our Lady of the Rosary of Orani Church", "Nuestra Señora del Rosario Parish Church", "Simbahan ng Orani" or "Virgen Milagrosa Del Rosario del Pueblo de Orani Shrine") is a Neoclassical (heritage) Diocesan Marian Shrine and Pilgrimage church located in the center of Orani, Bataan in the Philippines.

The "Nuestra Señora del Santo Rosario de Orani" Church was also declared as a "Dambana ng Paglalakbay" (Pilgrim Shrine) on August 22, 2004 by then Bishop of Balanga ang now Archbishop of Lingayen Socrates B. Villegas. On September 25, 2012, the church of Orani also became an Affiliate Church of the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, with all the rights and privileges conveyed by the Roman Pontiff on the latter. This means that the faithful, after fulfilling certain conditions, can avail of plenary indulgences when they pray at the Church of Orani, as if they had visited the Basilica in Rome.

Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buen Viaje) Antipolo, Rizal – 1926

Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Spanish: Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buen Viaje), also known as the Virgin of Antipolo (Filipino: Birhen ng Antipolo), is a 17th-century Roman Catholic brown wooden statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary venerated by Roman Catholics in the Philippines. The statue depicting the Immaculate Conception of Mary, is enshrined at the Antipolo Cathedral in the city of Antipolo in Rizal province.

The image was originally brought to the country by Governor Juan Niño de Tabora from Mexico via the galleon El Almirante. His safe voyage across the Pacific Ocean was attributed to the image and was given the title of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. It was substantiated later by six other successful voyages of the Manila-Acapulco Galleons with the image aboard as its patroness. During the 1630s, its several mysterious disappearance from its church in construction and later reappearance on top of a tipolo (breadfruit) tree (artocarpus incisa) led to the relocation of that church to its current location, where the tipolo tree was situated. The pedestal where the image is now enshrined has been traditionally made from the trunk of the tipolo tree. The town of Antipolo itself was named after the tree for its abundance in the area.

The statue is one of the most celebrated images of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Philippines, gaining devotees since the mid-19th century. From May to July each year, the town of Antipolo attracts millions of devotees from all over country and abroad.

Our Lady of Peñafráncia of Naga (Nuestra Señora de Peñafráncia de Naga) Naga City, Camarines Sur – 1924

Our Lady of Peñafrancia (Spanish: Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia in the Philippines, and Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia or Virgen de la Peña de Francia inSpain) is a wooden statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Philippines patterned after the one in Peña de Francia (Salamanca, Spain). Millions of pilgrims, devotees, andtourists arrive in Naga City — also known as the Pilgrim City and the Queen City of the Bicol region — in the Philippines every September for nine-day festivities in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, the Principal Patroness and Queen of Bicol who is endearingly addressed by Bicolanos as Iná (mother). The shrine in Naga gathers more than five million devotees every year and is known as one of the biggest Marian pilgrimage sites in the world.

Our Lady of Peñafráncia of Manila (Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Río Pasig) Paco, City of Manila – 1985

Our Lady of Peñafrancia (Spanish: Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia in the Philippines, and Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia or Virgen de la Peña de Francia inSpain) is a wooden statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Philippines patterned after the one in Peña de Francia (Salamanca, Spain). Millions of pilgrims, devotees, andtourists arrive in Naga City — also known as the Pilgrim City and the Queen City of the Bicol region — in the Philippines every September for nine-day festivities in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, the Principal Patroness and Queen of Bicol who is endearingly addressed by Bicolanos as Iná (mother). The shrine in Naga gathers more than five million devotees every year and is known as one of the biggest Marian pilgrimage sites in the world.

Our Lady of Piat (Nuestra Señora de Visitación de Píat) Piat, Cagayan – 1954

Our Lady of Piat (formally: Nuestra Señora de Piat) is a 16th-century Roman Catholic icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the central figure at the altar of her shrine inPiat in the province of Cagayan, Philippines. Locally known as the patroness of the town, it is one of the most venerated Marian images of Mary in the Republic of thePhilippines and is referred to as the Mother of Cagayan. The image of Our Lady of Piat is one of the most revered images among Catholics. Flocking every day to theshrine are devotees queueing to touch the image’s feet seeking her intercessions. Her devotees include the rich and powerful who spare no expense at showering the Blessed Virgin’s shrine with donations and gifts.

She was originally called Nuestra Señora del Santissimo Rosario (Our Lady of the Rosary) by the Dominican friars. The lady has been attributed to many miraclesincluding an end to a drought that threatened famine in the Itawes region. Piat is now dubbed as the "Pilgrimage Center of Cagayan Valley" because of the thousands of devotees and tourists who come here to pay homage. She continues to be the source of inspiration and object of devotion of many Catholics in the region.

The lady is also called the "Black Virgin Mary" because of its color being brown or "muy morena". That was referred to as the appealing characteristic of the Blessed Virgin.

Our Lady of Piat is one of the oldest Marian images in the Philippines. On June 20, 1954, in a ceremony led by papal delegate Egidio Vagnozzi, she was named “Queen of Heaven and Earth.” The Ibanags call her “Yena Tam Ngamin” (Mother of Us All) and to the natives of Piat, Cagayan, she is known as “Apo Baket” (Grand Matriarch).

Our Lady of the Pillar (Nuestra Señora la Virgen del Pilár) Zamboanga City – 1635

Our Lady of the Pillar (Spanish: Nuestra Señora del Pilar) is the name given to the Blessed Virgin Mary for her miraculous appearance in Zaragoza, Spain at the time of the emergence of Christianity. She is the Patroness of Spain, the Spanish Civil Guard and the Hispanic world. Her shrine is the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar situated by the Ebro river.

Our Lady of the Pillar of Imus ("Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Imus") Imus, Cavite – 2012According to the Official Archives of the Recollects in the Philippines this is the history of the devotion to the Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Imus that was brought in "Hacienda de Imus" ( Imus City ).In 1623 Fr. Martin Lumbreras Sanches Perez Peralta, ORSA (Martin de San Nicholas, 1598–1632) came to the Philippines. Fr. Martin, being a native of Zaragoza, had a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin under the title "Nuestra Señora del Pilar". He brought with him an Image of Nuestra Señora del Pilar which was first brought to the church of San Nicholas de Tolentino at Intramuros, Manila where it was enthroned on a small altar specifically made for the image. The devotion to the Virgen del Pilar grew within the walled city of Intramuros, a group in honor of the Virgin which was called "Obras Pias de la Nuestra Señora del Pilar" was formed by a devotee and named Juan de la Virgen del Pilar; this group's goal was to handle the funds of the Church.On the 28th of May 1694 the Recollect Friars all agreed that the image of the Virgin of the Pillar be transferred from her small altar in the San Nicholas de Tolentino Church to the Casa Hacienda de Imus (Cuartel at present), the image was temporarily placed in the Enfermaria (a room where priests rest). On the 13th of March 1766 the Recollect Corporation approved a plan to construct a new church in the Hacienda in honor of the Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Imus that the people of Imus often referred to as "Nana Pilar"(Our Mother Pillar).

Our Lady of Solitude of Vaga Gate (Nuestra Señora de la Soledád de Porta Vaga) Imus, Cavite

Our Lady of Solitude of Porta Vaga (Spanish: Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de Porta Vaga), or commonly Our Lady of Porta Vaga, is the patroness of Cavite province in the Philippines.

The icon, which depicts the Virgin Mary as Our Lady of Solitude, is enshrined at San Roque Church in Cavite City. The devotion to Our Lady of Porta Vaga is one of the famousMarian devotions in the Philippines.

Our Lady of Sorrows of Turúmba (Nuestra Señora de los Dolorés de Turúmba) Pakil, Laguna

Our Lady of Sorrows of Turumba (Spanish or Tagalog: Nuestra Señora de los Dolores de Turumba or Mahal na Ina ng Pitong Hapis ng Turumba) is the statue of the Virgin Mary as Our Lady of Sorrows, enshrined in Pakil, Laguna, a municipality in the Philippines.

Our Mother of Perpetual Help Baclaran, Parañaque City

Our Mother of Perpetual Help (Latin: Nostra Mater de Perpetuo Succursu) also known as Our Lady of Perpetual Help (and more formally as Our Lady of Perpetual Succour) is a Roman Catholic title of the Blessed Virgin Mary given by Pope Pius IX. It is associated with a celebrated Byzantine icon of the same name dating from the 15th century.

The esteemed icon has been in Rome since 1499, and is permanently enshrined in the church of Sant'Alfonso di Liguori, where the official Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help text is prayed weekly. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, this artistic iconography is known as the Virgin of the Passion or Theotokos of the Passion due to the instruments of the Passion of Jesus Christ present on the image.

Due to the Redemptorist Priests, who had been appointed as both custodians and missionaries of this icon by Pope Pius IX in 1865, the image has become very popular among Roman Catholics in particular, and has been very much copied and reproduced. Modern reproductions are sometimes displayed in homes, business establishments, and public transportation. The Redemptorist priests are the only religious order currently

entrusted by the Holy See to protect and propagate a Marian religious work of art.[1] Due to the overwhelming Philippine devotion to this Marian title, the image is also affectionately known as the Holy Virgin of Baclaran.

Today, Our Lady of Perpetual Help's solemn feast day is celebrated annually on June 27, with novena devotions held every Wednesday. Under Pope Pius XII's Pontificate, our Mother of Perpetual Help was designated as the national Patroness of the Republic of Haiti and Almoradi, Spain.

Our Lady of Salvation (Nuestra Señora de la Salvacion) Joroan, Tiwi, Albay

Our Lady of Salvation (Spanish: Nuestra Señora de Salvación), also known as Our Lady of Light, is a special title attributed to the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Co-Redemptrix of mankind. The Marian devotion to the Lady of Salvation is based on a wooden statue of the Blessed Virgin originally from the small town of Joroan in Tiwi, Albay. On August 25, 1976, the image was canonically crowned by the Roman Catholic Church as the heavenly patroness of the province of Albay, Philippines.

The original image of the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Lady of Salvation is in itself full of symbolism that reflects her role, according to Catholic doctrine, as Co-Redemptrix. In the original 18th Century image, the Virgin Mary is portrayed as carrying the Child Jesus in her left arm. Her right arm on the other hand is gestured as depicting her saving power by holding in his wrist a man who is about to fall to the devouring head of the devil. An angel is also portrayed as kneeling at the foot of the Blessed Virgin and can be seen as offering to the Child Jesus a basket full of burning hearts. The Child Jesus is also holding in his right hand a burning heart while his left hand is stretched out in the act of accepting the hearts offered by the angel.

Our Lady of Mercy ( Nuestra Señora Dela Merced) Novaliches, Quezon City

The Virgin of Mercy is a subject in Catholic art, showing a group of people sheltering for protection under the outspread cloak of the Virgin Mary. It was especially popular inItaly from the 13th to 16th centuries, often as a specialised form of votive portrait, and is also found in other countries and later art, especially Catalonia and Latin America. In Italian it is known as the Madonna della Misericordia (Madonna of Mercy), in German as the Schutzmantelmadonna (Sheltering-cloak Madonna), in Spanish Virgen de la Merced, and in French as the Vièrge au Manteau or Vierge de Miséricorde (Virgin with a cloak or Virgin of Mercy).

LISTS OF CATHEDRAL IN THE PHILIPPINES

Roman Catholic

The Catholic Church in the Philippines is organized into 72 dioceses in 16 Ecclesiastical Provinces, as well as 7 Apostolic Vicariates and a Military Ordinariate.

Cathedrals of the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines:

1. Cathedral of St. Joseph the Patriarch in Alaminos City2. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Antipolo City3. San Sebastian Cathedral in Bacolod City4. Cathedral of Our Lady of Atonement in Baguio City5. St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Balanga City6. Cathedral of St. James Major in Bangued7. Cathedral of Santo Domingo de Guzman in Basco8. Cathedral of St. Dominic in Bayombong9. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Boac10.St. Rita Cathedral in Bontoc11.Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Borongan12.St. Joseph Cathedral in Butuan City13.Cathedral of St. Nicolas of Tolentino in Cabanatuan City14.Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Naga City15.St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral in Cagayan de Oro City16.Cathedral of Holy Infant in Calapan City17.Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul in Calbayog City

18.Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Roxas City19.Cathedral of Our Lady of the Annunciation in Catarman20.Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Vitales in Cebu City21.Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Cotabato City22.Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Quezon City23.Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity in Daet24.San Pedro Cathedral in Davao City25.Mary, Mother and Mediatrix of Grace Cathedral in Digos City26.Cathedral of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Dipolog City27.Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria in Dumaguete City28.Cathedral of San Diego de Alcala in Gumaca29.Cathedral of St. Augustine in Iba30.Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel in Gamu, Isabela31.Cathedral of Our Lady of the Pillar in Imus32.Cathedral of Infant Jesus of Prague and St. Mark the Evangelist in Infanta33.Cathedral of St. Joseph the Worker in Ipil34.Cathedral of St. Elizabeth of Portugal (Sta. Isabel Parish) in Isabela City35.Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Elizabeth of Hungary in Jaro, Iloilo City36.Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo37.Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier in Kabankalan City38.Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Kalibo39.Cathedral of San Roque in Caloocan City40.Cathedral of Our Lady Mediatrix of all Graces in Kidapawan City41.Cathedral of St. William the Hermit in Laoag City42.Cathedral of St. Gregory the Great in Legazpi City43.Cathedral of St. James the Apostle in Libmanan44.St. John Cathedral in Dagupan City45.Co-Cathedral of the Three Kings in Lingayen46.San Sebastian Cathedral in Lipa City47.Cathedral of St. Ferdinand in Lucena City48.Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in Maasin City49.Cathedral of San Isidro Labrador in Malaybalay City50.Immaculate Conception Cathedral Basilica in Malolos City51.Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Manila52.Cathedral of Maria Auxiliadora in Marawi City53.Christ the King Cathedral in General Santos City54.St. Anthony of Padua Cathedral in Masbate City55.Cathedral of San Nicolas de Tolentino in Mati56.St. Ignatius de Loyola Cathedral in Quezon City57.Cathedral of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary in Naval58.Cathedral Shrine of the Good Shepherd in Quezon City59.Metropolitan Cathedral of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle in Vigan City60.Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Ozamis City61.Sto. Niño Cathedral in Pagadian City62.Cathedral of the Transfiguration of Our Lord in Palo63.St. Andrew Cathedral in Parañaque City64.Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Pasig City65.Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Puerto Princesa City66.St. Joseph Cathedral in Romblon67.San Carlos Borromeo Cathedral in San Carlos City68.Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Ferdinand in San Fernando, Pampanga69.Cathedral of St. William the Hermit in San Fernando, La Union70.Cathedral of St. Joseph in San Jose, Nueva Ecija71.St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral in San Jose, Antique72.St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro73.Cathedral of St. Paul the Hermit in San Pablo, Laguna74.Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Sorsogon City75.Cathedral of San Nicolas de Tolentino in Surigao City76.St. William’s Cathedral in Tabuk City77.St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral in Tagbilaran City78.Cathedral of Christ the King in Tagum City79.Blessed Trinity Cathedral in Talibon80.Cathedral of San Nicolas de Tolentino in Tandag City81.San Sebastian Cathedral in Tarlac City82.Cathedral of St. Joseph in Taytay83.Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Tuguegarao City84.Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Urdaneta City

85.Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Virac86.Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculation Conception in Zamboanga City

North - Central Luzon Bishops Conference

Cathedral of St. Agustine in Paoay, Ilocos Norte Cathedral of St. William the Hermit in Laoag City Aglipay National Shrine in Batac City, Ilocos Norte Cathedral of St. Stephen the Proto-Martyr in San Esteban Cathedral of St. Sebastian in Tarlac City Cathedral of St. Michael Archangel (Doña Maria Clara Memorial Church) in Camiling Cathedral of St. Hyacinth in Tuguegarao City Cathedral of St. Roche in San Felipe, Zambales Cathedral of St. Anthony of Padua, Rosales, Pangasinan Pro-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Lingayen Pro-Cathedral of St. Jerome in Sto. Domingo

South - Central Luzon Bishops Conference

National Cathedral of the Holy Infant Jesus in Manila[3]

Cathedral of the Holy Child in Pandacan, Manila Cathedral of Conception of Mary in Malolos City Cathedral of the Sto. Niño in Mandaluyong City Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel and All Angels in Bacoor Cathedral of St. Vincent Ferrer in Odiongan Cathedral of St. Joseph the Worker in Marinduque Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul in Palawan Pro-Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe,J.P. Rizal St., Pagsanjan, Laguna. Cathedral of Our Lady of Remedies in Placer Pro-Cathedral of the Holy Child in Roxas

Visayas Bishops Conference

Cathedral of the Sto. Niño in Cebu City Cathedral of St. James the Greater in Padre Burgos Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Iloilo City Cathedral of St. Jude Thaddeus in Sibalom Cathedral of Our Lady of Salvacion in Buenavista Cathedral of Our Lady of Providence and Guide, Albasan, Numancia, Aklan Pro-Cathedral of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary in New Washington Pro-Cathedral of St. Andrew the Apostle in Dumaguete City Pro-Cathedral of Iglesia Filipina Independiente in Tagbilaran City, Bohol

Mindanao Bishops Conference

Metropolitan Cathedral of Jesus the Nazarene in Cagayan de Oro City Cathedral of Our Lady of Presentacion in Cabadbaran Cathedral of the Transfiguration in Surigao City Cathedral of the Conception of Mary in Ozamis City Cathedral of the Risen Lord in Davao City Cathedral of St. Matthew in Libertad Cathedral of St. Mary in Oroquieta City Cathedral of the Sto. Niño in Pagadian City Cathedral of St. Mary in Dinagat Islands Cathedral of the Holy Family in Koronadal City Cathedral of the Holy Child in Dapa, Surigao del Norte Cathedral of St. Mary, Dinagat Island (Province). Pro-Cathedral of St. Anthony of Padua in Koronadal City Pro-Cathedral of the Virgin Mary, Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City Pro-Cathedral of St. Isidore the Farmer in Kabacan Pro-Cathedral of Iglesia Filipina Independiente, Bula, General Santos City

PROJECT In

HUM101A-PBA1

Power point Presentation“Philippine Churches”

by: Harvy A. Paltingca