Sanrokan News Magazine Romblon Province, Philippines

Some (Catholic) Churches of Romblon Text and Pictures by Aline Parrone
One of the most fascinating finds in the churches of Romblon is the old church of Virgin Mary of Candelaria in Azagra, a small barrio in San Fernando, Romblon in Sibuyan Island. According to the old caretaker, this church is believed to be the second oldest church constructed by the Spaniards, after the famous Sto. Niño Church in Cebu. With no records to prove it, I contented myself to taking pictures of the original walls made of shell-encrusted coral walls. Azagra itself is a place with a rich, colorful past. According to San Fernando historical notes, it was first inhabited by Datu Puti, one of the 10 chieftains of Borneo who sailed to the country in the 13th century where it was first known as Punta Kawit. When the Spaniards came, it acquired the name Azagra and gained greater importance as a flourishing municipality. However, lack of water resources led to the relinquishing of the capital to one of its barrios, Pag-alad (now San Fernando) in 1900 where Azagra has since become a barrio (barangay) of the former.
Virgin Mary of Candelaria Church Azagra, San Fernando, Romblon

	The church has preserved the original structure and the original outer walls are still intact (see detailed photo on the left), but the interiors has been given a totally modern, if different, facelift.


	The St. Joseph Cathedral in Romblon, Romblon is the main church of the province. There seems to be varying accounts of the date of its construction. The marker on the churchyard where the remains of the a Portuguese missionary, Fr. Agustin de San Pedro Orosa of the Agustinian Recollect Missionaries are buried says the church was started by the priest in 1640. But perhaps the completion of the church including the belfry came only in 1726. The church has a byzantine altar and has a fine collection of antiques which can be seen upon request.

	San Nicolas Church Banton, Romblon

Sta. Barbara Church Cajidiocan, Romblon (Sibuyan Island)

San Fernando Church San Fernando, Romblon (Sibuyan Island)

Most Holy Parish Magdiwang, Romblon (Sibuyan Island)

Saint Augustine Church, San Agustin, Romblon. The church interiors feature an altar depicting the Holy Trinity (God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit). The altar was designed by Chu Mangoba while the painting of the altar was from the Solocano-Damiana Faigao family. Photo by C. Mangoba

Note: Please send comments, corrections and descriptions of churches featured here. Also, if you have pictures of other churches in Romblon, kindly share it to us (including short decription). You will be acknowledged. Many thanks. Email: comments@sanrokan.com

© 2002 Sanrokan News Magazine


Last Updated: Monday August 5, 2002