Magdalena, Laguna Church Explained

Magdalena Church
Fullname:Saint Mary Magdalene Parish Church
Pushpin Map:Philippines Laguna#Luzon mainland#Philippines
Map Caption:Location in Laguna##Location in Luzon##Location in the Philippines
Coordinates:14.1989°N 121.4291°W
Location:Magdalena, Laguna
Country:Philippines
Denomination:Roman Catholic
Dedication:St. Mary Magdalene
Status:Parish church
Functional Status:Active
Architectural Type:Church building
Style:Baroque
Groundbreaking:1829
Completed Date:1855
Materials:Adobe and sand
Deanery:San Bartolome
Archdiocese:Manila
Diocese:San Pablo
Province:Manila
Priest:Ricardo Pajutan

Saint Mary Magdalene Parish Church (Filipino; Pilipino: Parokya ni Santa Maria Magdalena) is a Roman Catholic church in Magdalena, Laguna, Philippines under the Diocese of San Pablo.

History

Magdalena was formerly known as Ambling, a barrio of Majayjay until it was elevated as a town in 1821.[1] The first church, made of cogon and wood was constructed in 1820 and was dedicated to Mary Magdalene. Antonio Moreno was appointed at its first parish priest in 1821. A permission to build a stone church was ordered by Captain Pablo de la Concepción in 1829. To obtain funds for the church, the people were forced to pay taxes and quarry sand and stones from the river. The construction of the church building was halted in 1839, continued in 1849 and finished in 1855 under the direction of Maximo Rico, Jose Cuesta, Joaquin de Coria and Francisco de Paula Gonzalez. Construction of the belltower was finished in 1861.

In its convent, Filipino revolutionary leader General Emilio Jacinto sought refuge and his blood stains could be found.[2] [3]

Architecture

The Baroque church is elevated by a flight of steps facing a plaza. It is mainly made out of sandstone.[4] To its left is a four story octagonal belltower with a square base.

Further reading

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Bells of St. Francis. OFM Philippines Archives. Order of Friar Minors in the Philippines. November 25, 2014.
  2. Web site: Magdalena Church (Magdalena, Laguna). Philippine Heritage: Online Database of Built Heritage Resources of the Philippines. Heritage Conservation Society. December 1, 2014.
  3. Web site: Chua. Xiao. Emilio Jacinto, Ang Tunay na Utak ng Himagsikan. It's Xiao Time!. December 1, 2014.
  4. Web site: 7 Churches, 1 Day: Explore Laguna, Visita Iglesia 2014. April 8, 2014. December 1, 2014. Castillo. Alexandra.