Parochial Churches

             Valenzuela is famously known as highly industrialized and urbanized city but despite of its civilized outlook, some religiously solemn haven are ready to get revealed. It is one of the many historical structures that signify the foundation of beliefs for Valezuelanos. Since the early centuries, natives of these places are very devoted to religion. The evidence of this can still be seen on the present structures on the area. These said structures are the churches; some are century old where we usually went. Be proud to this place at the same time; be blessed by the holiness of each as you witness it with your own eyes. Some of the best churches we explored were San Diego de Alcala Church, National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, and Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish. So, what are you waiting for? Explore it yourself.

San Diego de Alcala Church:

               The Parochial church dedicated to San Diego de Alcala was first constructed on the year 1627. It took up 2 years before the said church was fully constructed. It’s construction was aided by Capitan Juan Tibay with the provision of Father Jose Valencia. On the year 1852, maybe because of several fortuitous events it suffered wear and tear so it was repaired and remodeled under the direction of Father Vicente. Other towns become envy and missionaries assume that it was one of the best churches ever built in the country after the renovation on the appearance of the Parish conducted. The change took place cannot be nearly say a “renovation” because it does not necessarily being repaired but instead, they built a new edifice beside the old one and neglected to its ruins. The reason was because the original church was an object or nearly a plot of terror on that time, before it was destroyed. Many people, specifically males of Polo and Obando were massacred and screams could be heard from the municipal building from the people tortured because they were screed by the “Magic Eye” inside the church. The church after its rebuilt, was again dedicated to another patron, “Nuestra Senora de la Inmaculada Concepcion”. Still, another dedication was made and that was to San Roque. The convent was well built and comfortable. The people made it much to its perfection subject of its artistry.

                San Diego De Alcala church named in dedication to their patron Saint, “San Diego De Alcala” was truly a piece of history in Valenzuela. It does not only promote Christianity but it also serve as the monument of the early century because of its ruins. Entering the promises of the church will initially bring your feelings through the past. Ambience of the surrounding was calm and peaceful, adding the vast parking lot in front of it. Ruins of the old belfry was located on the right side of the church, makes you feel a part of the history after seeing it. Inside was not that big but it can accommodate an estimate of 700 to 800 people merely enough to perform a “mass” or other religious gathering. It has also second floor for the choir and another set of chairs for people who wants to reminisce and pray. The typical images of the cross and Jesus Christ on the front center altar and on the sides are the patron saints of the Church. Solemnity of the place was extraordinary maybe because of its historical background that makes you want to explore it with your own eyes.

The National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima:

              The National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima or much commonly known as   Pambansang Dambana Ng Birhen Ng Fatima is a Philippine apostolate of Our Lady of Fatima in Fatima, Portugal which is recognize by the Philippine Roman Catholic Church. The shrine is located inside The Our lady of Fatima University Campus in Marulas, Valenzuela City. The shrine is declared as one of the three major pilgrimage site aside from the National Shrine of Saint Anne in  Hagonoy and The National Shrine of Divine Mercy in Marilao.  Also this church is declared as tourist spot of department of tourism on 1982. Because of its beautiful features that surrounds the said church. Before entering the church, the construction design of frontage is truly unique. The side Facade is planted of trees and some bermuda grass . Coming inside, the interior view is really amazing and of course very peaceful. There are old style doors on both side. The sanctuary of our Lady of Fatima is in the actual altar. Left side (facing the front) can be seen the image of the Black Nazarene carrying the wooden cross at his back, and the one is lying in the glass cage.

            The intuition of the place gives the feeling like you are in heaven, the presence of the Holy Family serves as security to all Christian and all human beings. 

Our Lady of the Holy Parish:

                   Situated at G. Marcelo St. Maysan, Valenzuela City, a land which measures 1,000 square meters from Mr. Gregorio Marcelo and an additional 1200 sq. meters by Ms. Lorie M. Antonio with their respective families was donated on the year 1979. This is for the purpose of constructing a Parochial Church that will serve as the main parish of all “Bisita” (chapels) of the nearby towns. This church was now known as “Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish”.

                The amusing church was built since Barangays: Maysan, Parada, Bagbaguin, Canumay and Paso De Blas were started only having a “Bisita”. A great need of the people for their own parochial church urged them to endorse it to Bishop Cirilo Almario on 1977. This letter of request was made before the land was donated. On this matter, the Bishop replied positively on the people involved. A convent was built on the land lend by the Mr. Florentino Dionisio. In 1978, Fr. Rolando I. Ang was the first parochial priest of the parish and eventually, with the request of the people and donation of sponsors mentioned earlier, the true parish was made.

                Our Lady of the Holy Parish was a typical church that can be described as “simple”. This is because it is not that quite elegant but the holiness of each pillars and windows can be totally felt. While entering the façade will make you feel amazed because it was quite similar to those what we seen on television. An elevated entrance accompanied by stairs branched to the left and right entrance gate was truly fascinating. Inside was very vast containing four rows of long chairs for all the people who want to pray and listen to the words of God. Estimating 800 to 1000 people can be accommodated inside it, good for venues like weddings ”misa”, baptism, communications and other religious gathering. What made it more awesome was that it has an events place that will serve as an alternative venue to conduct two different gatherings at the same time. Once on the main church and second on the events place at the lower back portion of the area. There you can also see an altar and some sculptured images of Saints. This was made for special events like general assembly, Christmas parties, meetings, communions and sometimes livelihood programs for the people. The structure of the church was very conventional that can accommodate people in different events and gatherings, this maybe the only thing that made the church unique in our point of view as Valenzuela’s Explorer.

          

                        “The city of Valenzuela is destined by god to remain the home for many people who have the foundation or beginning to this place".

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