Pangil Church Explained

Pangil Church
Fullname:Nuestra Señora dela Natividad Parish Church
Other Name:Our Lady's Nativity Parish
Pushpin Map:Philippines Laguna#Luzon mainland#Philippines
Map Caption:Location in Laguna##Location in Luzon##Location in the Philippines
Coordinates:14.4035°N 121.4685°W
Location:Pangil, Laguna
Country:Philippines
Denomination:Roman Catholic
Founded Date:1579
Founder:Juan de Plasencia and Diego Oropesa
Dedication:Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Status:Parish church
Functional Status:Active
Architectural Type:Church building
Style:Baroque
Completed Date:1611
Deanery:St. James
Archdiocese:Manila
Metropolis:Manila
Diocese:San Pablo
Province:Manila
Priest:Jessie Somosierra

The Nuestra Señora dela Natividad Parish Church, commonly known as Pangil Church, is a Roman Catholic church in Natividad, Pangil, Laguna, Philippines. It is under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of San Pablo. The statue of the pregnant Virgin Mary (locally known as Nuestra Señora de la O) is said to be a gift from King Carlos III of Spain.[1]

History

Pangil was founded as a visita or hermitage by Franciscan friars Juan de Plasencia and Diego de Oropesa in 1579. It was administered by the nearby parish of Lumban due to lack of priests. The first church dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was built out of cane. In 1611, a stone church and convent was built under the direction of Father Gonzalo del Roble. Restoration of the church's woodwork and improvement of the convent was done by Father Lucas Fernandez in 1711. The church was remodeled in 1749 to 1751 by Father Luis de Nambroca. Based on the records of Father Felix Huerta, the church has also a stone chapel dedicated to Saint Mark the Evangelist and Saint Anthony Abad.

Bibliography

Notes and References

  1. News: Giron. Tita. A scenic way to do the traditional 'Via Crucis'. Philippine Daily Inquirer. 19. 102. E1–E2. March 20, 2005. May 9, 2020.