MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – Thirty-three Catholic churches and chapels in the province of La Union are all ready for the Visita Iglesia or the Catholic tradition of visiting churches during the Holy Week.
Among the most visited churches in the province is the St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish, also known as Namacpacan Church in Luna.
It is one of La Union’s three Marian churches and houses the Shrine of the Miraculous Lady of Namacpacan, known to local devotees as Apo Baket (revered elderly woman).
“Apo Baket is believed to have performed miracles, such as making a disabled woman walk, appearing in a dream of Pope Pius XII, and calling infidel families from the mountains. The church also features a healing well. It was declared a National Cultural Treasure in 2001,” according to the La Union Provincial Information Office (PIO).
Another Marian Church is the Holy Guardian Angel Parish, which is the home of the miraculous image of Nuestra Señora del Mar Cautiva in the town of Santo Tomas.
The sacred image of the Blessed Mother was brought to the parish church on July 19, 1845zx and since then, countless miracles, conversions, healings, and safe childbirths have been attributed to her intercession.
Meanwhile, the Basilica Minore of our Lady of Charity in the heart of Agoo town was founded in 1578 by Franciscan Friars and consecrated as a Marian Shrine on December 8,1978 by Sebastian Cardinal Baggio.
It was elevated to the status of Basilica Minore by Pope John Paul II on July 15,1982.
St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Bacnotan town was established in 1599. It is one of the few churches in the province that has kept its original, rustic façade, which is a mix of baroque and neoclassical style
Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Bauang town was canonically completed on April 25, 1587 by Augustinian missionaries. One of its main attractions is the San Pedro Bell, which was returned to the church after being in American possession for 115 years.
Another Church to visit is the St. William the Hermit Cathedral in the City of San Fernando. It was originally built in the area of Pindangan, now known as Barangay San Vicente. The church was later moved to its current location in the city proper.
St. John the Baptist Parish in San Juan, La Union was founded in 1707. After the Spanish-American War, it underwent restoration under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Mariano Gaerlan, the first Filipino parish priest of the church and a native of San Juan.
There are also more 26 historical churches and chapel to visit in the province situated in the four vicariates namely Vicariate of San Nicholas, Vicariate of St. Ferdinand, Vicariate of St. Peter the Apostle and Vicariate of St. Francis Xavier.
“I warmly welcome all pilgrims and visitors to our beautiful province of La Union,” , La Union Governor Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David said in a statement on Tuesday.
“As you explore La Union’s historic churches, may you take this opportunity to reflect and pray while nourishing a deeper sense of appreciation for our local religious heritage.”
La Union Provincial Tourism officer-in-charge Julius Manabat said the religious sites are not only places for prayer and reflection, but also cultural landmarks that represent faith, history and tradition.
David assured pilgrims and visitors that the provincial government of La Union, its component local government units, and law enforcement agencies are working together to ensure public safety and security.