The Parish Church of Santa Maria, Laguna

         The town and parish of Santa Maria turned out to be the last in the province of Laguna that I was able to visit. Situated at the northern edge of the province and already bordering Rizal province, it is not a place one simply passes through. Since it lies away from the main highway, getting there requires a deliberate effort—and, given the traffic conditions in Rizal, a fair amount of patience.

         The opportunity came during a trip to Real, Quezon, on our way to Polillo Island. On the return journey, we made a detour to Santa Maria. At the church façade, I noticed a historical marker indicating that it was founded as early as 1602. Although the church has been rebuilt several times due to earthquakes and an uprising, traces of its earlier structure remain visible—particularly in its thick and simple façade and belfry, which quietly preserve its past.

        Just before the welcome arch stands another marker identifying Santa Maria as the rice granary of Laguna, a fitting introduction to a town whose character is shaped as much by its history as by its agricultural life.

The Welcome arch upon entering the town embedded with the Marilag Festival of Santa Maria

Our Lady of the Angels Parish Church, Santa Maria, Laguna

The parish convent

 

CLASS PILGRIMAGE TO THREE CHURCHES IN LAGUNA AND A VISIT TO MAJAYJAY FALLS

 As part of our course on “Other Acts of Divine Worship” in Canon Law, particularly the study of sacred places such as shrines and basilicas, my class undertook a pilgrimage to three churches in Laguna within the Diocese of San Pablo to appreciate firsthand what distinguishes an ordinary parish, a national shrine, and a minor basilica.

Our first stop was the National Shrine of San Antonio de Padua in Pila, founded in 1578 and recognized as the first Antonine parish in the Philippines. Elevated to national shrine status in 2019, it became the first national shrine of the Diocese of San Pablo and the 25th in the country—an acknowledgment of its historical roots and enduring devotion to St. Anthony of Padua.

We then visited the parish church of San Juan Bautista in Liliw—an ordinary parish but architecturally striking, known for its red-brick Baroque façade and richly carved retablos adorned in gold leaf. It stands as a vibrant example of a local church faithfully serving its community without special national designation.

Our final ecclesial stop was the Minor Basilica of Saint Gregory the Great in Majayjay, one of the oldest churches in Laguna and declared a National Cultural Treasure. In January 2025, by decree of Pope Francis, it was granted the title of Minor Basilica—the first in the Diocese of San Pablo—recognizing its historical, liturgical, and spiritual significance. The parish priest, Msgr. Mel Barcenas graciously sponsored lunch for our class, adding warm hospitality to our academic excursion.

After nourishing both mind and body, we explored the natural beauty for which Majayjay is also known. We first visited the nearby  Sprite Falls. However, after several days of rain, the waters were not as clear as expected. We therefore proceeded to Taytay Falls, where the waters were powerfully gushing. For safety reasons, we were not allowed to bathe directly beneath the falls but instead enjoyed the current a little farther downstream.

The pilgrimage thus became more than an academic requirement—it was a lived experience of Church, history, hospitality, and creation, all woven together in one memorable day in Laguna.

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NATIONAL SHRINE OF SAN ANTONIO DE PADUA
Pila, Laguna

SAN JUAN BAUTISTA PARISH
Liliw, Laguna

MINOR BASILICA AND PARISH OF ST. GREGORY THE GREAT
Majayjay, Laguna

The parish priest, Msgr. Mel Barcenas explaining what makes a minor basilica different from other churches. 

Sprite Falls, Majayjay, Laguna

Taytay Falls, Majayjay, Laguna