Maribojoc Church: A Historic Landmark in Bohol
The Maribojoc Church was founded in 1767 by the Jesuit Priests as a mission and as a parish dedicated to Santa Cruz. Also referred to as the Santa Cruz Parish Church or Holy Cross Parish Church, this Roman Catholic parish church is positioned within the municipality of Maribojoc within the province of Bohol. The church is under the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tagbilaran and has a wealthy history dating back to the 18th century.
The unique church that the Jesuits built was only temporary and was replaced by the Recollects in 1768 with the current structure. The church has undergone several renovations and restorations through the years, including one in 1856 and one other in 1955 after it was damaged by an earthquake. Despite these changes, the church still retains much of its original charm and sweetness, making it a well-liked attraction for visitors and locals alike.
Historical Background
The Jesuits first established the parish in 1767 or 1768 with Father Juan Soriano, SJ as its first parish priest. The church was initially made from light materials and was destroyed by a typhoon in 1788.
The current-day Maribojoc Church was in-built 1864 by Father Manuel Carasusan, SJ. The church was made from coral stones and was accomplished in 1885. It has a Baroque architectural style with a bell tower on its left side. The church’s facade incorporates a relief of the Holy Cross, which is the patron saint of the parish.
Through the Philippine Revolution, the Katipunan forces used the church as a fortress. The townspeople also used the church as a refuge through the Philippine-American War. In 1942, the church was burned down by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II. The church was later rebuilt in 1956 under the direction of Father Jose Sanchez, SJ.
In 2013, the church was severely damaged by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck Bohol. The National Museum of the Philippines oversaw the church’s restoration, which was accomplished in 2021. Today, Maribojoc Church stays a major cultural and historical landmark within the province of Bohol.
Architectural Design
The Maribojoc Church is a surprising example of colonial architecture from the Spanish era. The church of Maribojoc resembled a cross or cruciform with a low, four-sided pyramidical roof and octagonal cupola. Partitions were consistently divided into thick and thin portions designed with finely cut coral stones on the perimeters. The coral stone design of the Maribojoc Church is a standard feature amongst churches in Bohol.
Exterior
The majestic church stands tall with its cruciform plan, its four-sided pyramidical roof straddling the crossing. Its partitions are divided into two distinct parts, the upper sections being thinner, possibly built later or to reduce earthquake damage. All the constructing is faced with finely cut coral stone, and remnants of reddish tint on its decorative features – frames, cornices, and pilasters – are a testament to colonial constructing technology and esthetics.
At the middle of the façade, a bas-relief of San Vincent Ferrer, the secondary patron of the parish, stands proudly, and a string of “cookie mould” flowers cut into the stone along the lower cornice of the façade resembles that of Talibon cathedral’s epistle transept entrance. An extension from the façade results in the bell tower, impressive in its squat bulkiness, with two windows featuring clock faces, one among them bearing the name of Jose Altonaga, indicating that the clockwork got here from an organization well-known in Manila within the late nineteenth century.
Interior
The inside of the Maribojoc Church is just as impressive as its exterior. Its three Neogothic altars are a pleasant surprise, adorned with gilded hardwood traceries and finials which have been expertly carved.
The principal nave’s altar stands tall, featuring a lovely statue of the Holy Cross, while the 2 side altars display statues of the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph. The picket ceiling is a marvel to behold, with its intricate designs and patterns, and the marble floor only adds to the church’s grandeur.
Pipe Organ and Choir Loft
Adjoining the choir loft is a smaller construction that houses an impressive organ with metal pipes. Such a organ dates back to the Eighteen Nineties and was last played in 1975. Sadly, lots of the parts have already deteriorated. The music stands over the keyboard is a delight, shaped like a butterfly.
The choir loft is home to a decrepit lectern, a relic of the music that after filled the air. Above, a mural depicts the sacrament of baptism, officiated by Padre Quiterio Sarigumba, a ‘builder priest’ who repairs the Jagna church and adds recent façades to the Inabanga and Panglao churches. The bell tower, once accessible from the choir loft, has been closed off for a while.
Retablo
The five intricately carved and painted retablos that adorn the sanctuary and transepts of the Maribojoc church are a sight to behold. Not only do they feature recognizable gothic motifs like pointed arches and crockets, however the profusion of carving and the range of colours give them a novel style that may’t be found anywhere else.
An inscription on the upper reaches of the central retablo reveals that the project was accomplished on January 7, 1934, and was sponsored by the parish’s Comite de Obras. The initials P.Q.S. belong to the parish priest on the time, Padre Quiterio Sarigumba. These Maribojoc retablos are the last of an extended line of masterpieces by Bohol carvers, including the retablos of Baclayon, Loboc, and Tagbilaran.
Contained in the retablo mayor stands a shrine with the image of the patron, Santa Cruz, and one other with the image of the secondary patron, San Vicente Ferrer. Flanking the central area of interest are a Madonna and Child and St. Joseph and the Child, with images of the Holy Trinity within the upper reaches.
Much more striking are the 2 roundels depicting a Filipina in a baro’t saya native shirt and skirt, with a veil, which could also be allegories of the Finding and the Veneration of the True Cross. The transept retablos, though smaller in size or more modern in manufacture, are equally impressive. The Maribojoc retablos are a wide ranging reminder of the artistry and skill of Bohol carvers, and a testament to the fantastic thing about Filipino culture.
Sacristy
The sacristy of Maribojoc’s church was tucked away behind the sanctuary, with a passageway resulting in the convent. Unlike other churches, the convent was attached to the back of the church in an ‘I’ pattern, quite than the standard ‘L’. Contained in the sacristy lies a cajoneria – a vestry chest adorned with carved flower-like ornaments.
These intricate petals and surface lay-out are strikingly just like the doors of the Convento in Cortes, an adaptation of the rococo style that was popular in Philippine art within the late 18th century. This same style could be seen within the retablo mayor of the identical church, believed to have been gifted to the newly established ‘daughter parish’ by Maribojoc in 1793. Maribojoc began reconstructing its church in the identical 12 months, and a bell in Cortes bears the name ‘Mariboho’ and the 12 months ‘1793’.
Convento /Ecclesiastical edifices
For hundreds of years, the imposing first solid convent has stood the test of time, a testament to the strength and resilience of its builders. Father Mauro de San Agustin began construction in 1824; nonetheless, Father Fernando Rubio couldn’t complete the project for unknown reasons.
The bahay-na-bato structure was created from stone on the bottom floor and contemporary materials on the second floor. This impressive constructing was then used because the St. Vincent Institute, a faculty, and the church museum, which housed liturgical objects, old canonical books (Bautizos, Defuociones, Casamientos, Actas), relics of St. Vincent Ferrer and one other relic of the Holy Cross brought by Father Soriano, SJ from Jerusalem.
In 1864, a stone stairway behind the convent was finished, connecting the downtown to the port and resulting in an octagonal tower. Finally, in 1884, Father Lucas Martinez brought the development to a successful conclusion. The result was a stone constructing with pillars 33 meters long and 22 meters wide, including the corridor. Even today, the primary solid convent stays a reminder of its builders’ fortitude and determination.
Bell Tower
The bell tower still stands tall and proud, with its separate entrance on the bottom floor, rumored to have been utilized by watchmen through the pirate season. Climb the steps and pay attention to the intricate scaffolding supporting the ground and cupola. Inside, the seven bells are said to be matched only by those of Dimiao and Loboc. Legend has it that a big bell, the lingganay nga ugis, could possibly be heard from throughout Bohol, and through a crisis, it was thrown into the Abatan River near present-day Cortes.
Adorned with a clock from the Altonaga Company in Manila, installed by Fr. Lucas Martinez (1886-1898), the machinery used to have a pendulum so long it needed a depression on the bottom floor. Recently repaired, the bell tower offers a wide ranging view of the ravine in front of the church and a surprising panorama of the remaining of the town and the ocean beyond.
Ceiling
In 2000, the Maribojoc 2000 Church Project was launched to lift funds to revive the roofing and other renovations of the Church Convent. The roofing and its trusses and woodwork were found to be defective, so the project was set into motion. Because of the generous donations of locals and Maribojocanons from the US, the project was accomplished in 2004. The Church’s painted ceiling, created by Mr. Ray Francia, stays untouched and has never been repainted.
Cultural Significance
Maribojoc Church, also referred to as Santa Cruz Parish Church or Holy Cross Parish Church, is a Roman Catholic parish church positioned within the municipality of Maribojoc, Bohol, Philippines. The church and its complex, which incorporates the stone masonry church and convent, side plazas, and the stone stairway on the back, was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines on May 5, 2010, validating its status as a site “possessing outstanding historical, cultural, artistic, and scientific value highly significant to the nation.”
The Maribojoc Church Complex is a testament to the wealthy cultural heritage of the Philippines. The church’s architecture incorporates a mixture of Baroque and Neoclassical styles, with intricate carvings and details that showcase the artistic traditions of the Filipino people. The church was in-built the late 18th century, and its construction was overseen by the Jesuits, who were instrumental in spreading Christianity throughout the Philippines.
Maribojoc Church can be significant for its role within the history of the Philippines. Through the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule, the church served as a refuge for Filipino revolutionaries. The church’s bell tower was used as an statement post, allowing revolutionaries to watch the movements of Spanish troops. The National Historical Commission of the Philippines recognized the church’s historical significance and installed a Level II historical marker in May 2009.
Maribojoc Church continues to be a vibrant center of worship and a cultural landmark within the Philippines. Visitors to the church can marvel at its beautiful architecture, explore its wealthy history, and experience the deep spirituality of the Filipino people. Whether you might be a history buff, an art lover, or a spiritual seeker, Maribojoc Church is a must-visit destination within the Philippines.
Restoration Efforts
The Maribojoc Church, also referred to as the Holy Cross Parish Church, is a centuries-old heritage structure in Bohol that was severely damaged by a 7.2-magnitude earthquake that struck the world on October 15, 2013. Since then, the National Museum of the Philippines has been leading the restoration and reconstruction efforts to bring the church back to its former glory.
The restoration efforts involved an intensive study of the church’s history, architecture, and cultural significance. The National Museum of the Philippines conducted research, documentation, and conservation work to make sure the restoration process was accurate, authentic, and respectful of the church’s cultural heritage.
The restoration and reconstruction efforts took over eight years to finish, and the church was finally turned over to its legal owner, the Diocese of Tagbilaran, on December 12, 2021. The church is now open to the general public, and visitors can admire its restored beauty and historical significance.
The restoration efforts involved several stages, including the next:
- Documentation: The National Museum of the Philippines conducted detailed documentation of the church’s structure, materials, and architectural features to create a baseline for restoration.
- Conservation: The conservation work involved stabilizing the church’s structure, cleansing and repairing the damaged areas, and protecting the church’s cultural heritage.
- Reconstruction: The reconstruction work involved restoring the church’s original design and architectural features, including its bell tower, façade, and interior.
The restoration efforts were a testament to the Philippines’ commitment to preserving its cultural heritage and historical landmarks.
Tourist Attraction
Maribojoc Church is taken into account one among the oldest churches in Bohol, in-built the early nineteenth century, and incorporates a charming combination of heritage Baroque and Rococo architectural styles.
The Maribojoc Church is a must-visit destination for those involved in history and architecture. The church is a living testament to Bohol’s wealthy heritage and cultural marvels. The church’s coral stone partitions and bell tower are impressive, and the inside is adorned with beautiful paintings and spiritual sculptures.
Along with the Maribojoc Church, the town of Maribojoc offers several other notable attractions, including the Bohol Aquarium Zoo, Maribojoc Organic Demonstration Farm, and Punta Cruz Watch Tower. Visitors can explore the town’s wealthy history and culture by visiting these sites and experiencing the local lifestyle.
Location and Accessibility
Maribojoc Church is just 14 km from Tagbilaran City, the provincial capital, and offers quick access. A scenic 30-minute drive from Tagbilaran City will take you to this magnificent church.
The church is on a hill, providing a panoramic view of the town and its surroundings. The church’s location is right for visitors who wish to explore the natural beauty, historical significance, and spiritual heritage of Maribojoc.
Should you travel to Maribojoc by public transportation, you’ll be able to take a bus or jeepney from Tagbilaran City to Maribojoc. Buses and jeepneys are available on the Dao Integrated Bus Terminal in Tagbilaran City. Alternatively, you’ll be able to take a tricycle or motorcycle taxi from Maribojoc town proper to the church.
The church is open to visitors every day, from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Should you plan to go to the church during mass or other religious ceremonies, please be respectful of the worshippers and follow the dress code.
Interesting Facts about Maribojoc Church
Listed below are some interesting facts about this beautiful church:
- The Maribojoc Church was first established by the Jesuits in 1767 or 1768, with Father Juan Soriano, SJ as its first parish priest.
- The church was built using coral stones and bricks; its architectural style is Baroque.
- The Maribojoc Church is one among the oldest churches in Bohol and is taken into account a cultural heritage site. The church has undergone several renovations and repairs, including a serious renovation within the nineteenth century.
- Unlike other churches, the Convento of Maribojoc is positioned behind the church quite than at its side. This offers the Convento an unobstructed view of the ocean, especially from the balcony that runs the length of the Convento.
- The Maribojoc Church was severely damaged through the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck Bohol in October 2013. The church’s bell tower collapsed, and the church itself sustained significant damage. Nevertheless, the church has since been restored and reopened to the general public.
- The Maribojoc Church is devoted to the Holy Cross, showcasing stunning architectural details and complicated designs. Inside, you’ll discover a serene atmosphere and spiritual artifacts that reflect the town’s deep-rooted faith.
- The Maribojoc Church is a spot of worship and a well-liked tourist destination. Visitors can admire the church’s beautiful facade, stroll across the church grounds, and revel in the stunning sea views from the Convento balcony.
Steadily Asked Questions
What’s the history of Maribojoc Church?
Maribojoc Church, also referred to as the Holy Cross Parish Church, is a heritage church in Maribojoc, Bohol, Philippines. The church is one among the oldest within the province, dating back to the 18th century. It was built by the Jesuits in 1767 and was later managed by the Augustinians. The church was damaged through the 2013 earthquake but has since been restored to its former glory.
What’s the outline of the Maribojoc church?
Maribojoc Church is a cruciform church with a plain facade decorated by thin pilasters and niches with images of saints. The church’s interior features three Neogothic altars and a lovely ceiling painted with religious images.
Who’s the patron saint of Maribojoc Bohol?
The patron saint of Maribojoc Bohol is Saint Vincent Ferrer. The church can be referred to as the Diocesan Shrine of Saint Vincent Ferrer.
What are another historical churches in Bohol?
Bohol is home to many historical churches, including the Baclayon Church, the Loboc Church, and the Dauis Church. These churches are known for his or her intricate designs, beautiful facades, and wealthy history.
What’s the importance of Maribojoc Fiesta?
The Maribojoc Fiesta is an annual celebration held in honor of the town’s patron saint, Saint Vincent Ferrer. The fiesta is well known every April fifth and is a time for the community to return together and have a good time their faith and culture. The fiesta incorporates a number of activities, including traditional dances, parades, and spiritual processions.
Bohol Travel and Tour Packages
The Department of Tourism Central Visayas (Region 7) and the Provincial Tourism Office of Bohol work hand in hand to advertise faith-based and culinary tourism within the province. Highlighting the perfect of Bohol when it comes to culture, places, food, and experiences, the local tourism office goals to draw more people to explore the wonders of Bohol beyond the famous Philippine Tarsier and Chocolate Hills. It’s high time that locals and foreigners learn more about Bohol’s wealthy heritage by promoting its heritage sites and unique experiences. Come to Bohol and take a look at it for yourself!
Want more updates about recent package tours and tourist attractions in Bohol, Philippines, you could add to your itinerary?
Follow the in the event you want more travel and food-related updates.
Read:
