Ben Goes Where: Visita Iglesia in Cagayan

The Archdiocese of Tuguegarao has jurisdiction in the provinces of Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela and Nueva Vizcaya.

Saint Philomene church in Alcala, Cagayan

Every year, I embark on a journey to visit the heritage churches of the Philippines that I do per province. Since I had a chance of visiting the Cagayan Valley, without further ado, I planned my trip to the north in time for Lenten Season. Most old churches were made of bricks in Cagayan valley, due to the presence of clay used in various structures especially during Spanish colonial times. Hornos or Spanish brick ovens were widely used back then, to bake brick as building blocks of infrastructures like the heritage churches we see today.

Here is my list of churches visited in the province of Cagayan:

1. Saint Peter Gonzales Thelmo Parish

Based on the marker outside the Aparri church, the original structure was erected near the banks of Cagayan River but was flooded and rebuilt. The present location had the old structure but due to World War II, it was razed to the ground. The church underwent massive renovation, where only the bell tower was left of what was originally built after the war.

2. Saint Hyacinth of Poland Parish

The new church stands a bit far from the river in Barangay Sapping. It is surrounded by a well-taken plaza, school grounds, and a bell tower dedicated to Sancta Maria, the oldest forged Catholic bell in the Far East.

The original church of Camalaniugan stood at the banks of Cagayan River. Due to floods and massive earthquake, it was left to ruins and today, it served as a park for the townsfolk.

3. Saint Dominic de Guzman Parish

Lal-lo, originally called Nueva Segovia has a long history of being the center of evangelization in Cagayan Valley. Evident is the Evangelization cross facing the Cagayan River. Dominicans administered the parishes of Nueva Segovia, same as the prosperous cities of Cebu, Manila and Naga. But in 1790, the Episcopal See was transferred to Vigan, leaving the parishes in ruins and fused to only one church that is seen today, and the name went back to Lal-lo.

The Evangelization Cross by Dominicans

4. Saint Catherine of Alexandria Parish

The flagship church of Gattaran stands along the highway. Outer brick walls evidently shows that it was built during colonial times.

5. Saint Philomene Parish

What amazed me in Alcala church is the very wide full-brick façade. Though I didn’t have the chance to get inside, I admired its beauty with the adjacent lyceum and a beautiful manicured garden at its front. The elevated garden is perfect for afternoon stroll. Just sit on a bench and munch some milk candies and peanuts.

6. Saint James the Apostle Parish

Iguig is unique, not only because it has landmarks and Calvary Hills around it, but because it has authentic relic of the original cross where Christ was crucified. At high noon, I paid visit at each station of the cross starting from the right side of the façade, then adjacent structures form a loop until you get to the last station located at the church wing overlooking the Cagayan River.

The relic in a cross behind Mary's Statue.

It was such a great sight and actually a great resting place for who want contemplation. The rolling gentle hills act as mini park for the townsfolk. By the time I visited the church, the altar was under renovation.

7. Saint Hyacinth Chapel

This is the oldest brick structure in Tuguegarao and currently administered by near St. Paul sisters.

8. Saint Peter Metropolitan Cathedral

This is the seat of Archdiocese of Tuguegarao, covering most parishes in the Cagayan Valley. The cathedral is the biggest in Cagayan. However, when I paid visit, I saw the façade painted from white to red, to my disappointment that the red bricks don’t complement the red paint being applied.