TRIP UP NORTH DURING THE UNDAS BREAK: Part Five - CHURCHES OF NUEVA ECIJA

 On my recent road trip through the provinces of Aurora, Quirino, Isabela, and Nueva Vizcaya, we passed through four towns in Nueva Ecija, three of which I had never visited before. This trip allowed me to complete my visits to all the towns and churches in Nueva Ecija. The churches we visited belong to the Diocese of San Jose, Nueva Ecija, and include those in Pantabangan, Carranglan, Lupao, and Muñoz. Following the suggestion of Bishop Elmer Mangalinao, we also visited the parish church of Sto. Niño de Puncan in Puncan, Carranglan. He shared that Puncan was actually the original población of San Jose before it was relocated to its current site. The church is now a pilgrim shrine dedicated to the Sto. Niño de Puncan.

ST. ANDREW THE APOSTLE PARISH
Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija

ST. NICHOLAS DE TOLENTINO PARISH
Carranglan, Nueva Ecija

The town of Carranglan is twelve kilometers away from the main Maharlika highway. We were glad however, to have made this detour as we saw a beautiful brick church which we did not expect to see. 

The  Porta Santa  on the left side facing the church with the carved image of St. Nicholas de Tolentino. 

STO. NIÑO DE PUNCAN PARISH
Puncan, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija

ST. JAMES THE GREAT PARISH
Lupao, Nueva Ecija

ST. SEBASTIAN THE MARTYR PARISH
Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija

It was fortunate that we passed by the church of Muñoz as I noticed that they have already built a beautiful retablo from the simple crucifix that adorned the altar before. 

For the other churches of Nueva Ecija under the Diocese of San Jose click here.