CHURCHES OF CATANDUANES - DIOCESE OF VIRAC

         The island province of Catanduanes is composed of eleven municipalites: Bagamanoc, Baras, Bato, Caramoran, Gigmoto, Pandan, Panganiban, San Andres, San Miguel, Viga and Virac.  As a diocese, the seat is in Virac. Got the chance to visit again the island when Bp. Manolo de los Santos invited us for the dedication of the Cathedral which was just newly renovated last August 28, 2021.  After the dedication, together with my assistant, Fr. Carlo del Rosario we  took the chance to go around the island since the last time I came, I was not able to make it. Bp. Manolo himself together with his Vicar General Fr. Allan Martin Basilio accompanied us around visiting all the parish and mission churches along the way.  Of the eleven towns we were able to visit nine. We went around the island counterclockwise. 

            The last town of San Miguel, I was able to visit on the occasion of the installation of Bp. Luisito Occiano as the bishop of Virac last June 26, 2024. 

VIRAC CATHEDRAL

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception

Our Lady of Sorrows Parish

Holy Cross Shrine, Batalay, Bato

Batalay Shrine is also known as the site of the First Cross in Catanduanes. It was constructed over the grave of the shipwrecked Fr. Diego de Herrera, OSA who together with some survivors were killed by the natives in 1576.  A spring of clear water sprouted near the cross which is believed to have healing powers. The Shrine is now under the care of  the Augustinians as their mission territory.

The entrance down to the spring. 

With the Agustinians fathers 

Sakahon Beach, Brgy. Bote, Bato, Catanduanes

Sakahon beach is a popular place for beachgoers because of its fine sand, clear waters and stunning beauty. Since we were not able to bring our outfit for swimming we just contented ourselves by savoring the beauty of the beach.

St. John the Baptist Parish, Bato, Catanduanes 

Super typhoon Rolly (Goni) struck the island of Catanduanes last November 1, 2020 and left much destruction. The church of Bato which was just newly renovated had its roof blown away. 

On my last visit last June 26, 2024, the roof and the ceiling of the church was already restored. 

St. Lawrence the Martyr Parish, Baras, Catanduanes

Paniquihan, Baras Mission Station

The roof of the chapel blown away by typhoon Rolly was still made of tarpaulin. 

St. John Paul II Parish, Agban, Baras, Catanduanes

St. Isidore the Farmer Parish, Gigmoto,  Catanduanes

This seal carved on the door of the church of Gigmoto calls itself as the Diocese of Gigmoto!

Sicmil Mission Church, Gigmoto, Catanduanes

Nahulugan Falls, Brgy. San Pedro, Gigmoto

With Frs. Allan, Caloi and Bp. Manolo

Tinago Mission, Viga

Tambongon Parish, Viga, Catanduanes 

Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Viga, Catanduanes

St. James the Greater Parish, Panganiban, Catanduanes

St. John XXIII Parish, Bugao, Bagamanoc, Catanduanes

San Francisco Caracciolo Parish, Tabugoc, Pandan 

Catanduanes Halfway Resort Hotel, Pandan, Catanduanes

We passed by this newly opened resort with a stunning vista of the sea. 

The infinity pool

Hiyop View Deck, Pandan, Catanduanes

Just further along the road from the Catanduanes Halfway Resort was this view deck. 

St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish, Pandan, Catanduanes 

St. John the Baptist Parish, Caramoran, Catanduanes 

ST. MICHAEL PARISH (f-1953)
San Miguel, Catanduanes

Link to my first post on Catanduanes:  

Catanduanes: An emerging tourist destination