The Church of Santa Rosa de Lima
Posted by on April 13, 2007
Last week, I performed a unique Catholic Ritual, very common in the Philippines. This is the Visita Iglesia. This is usually done on a Maundy Thursday, by visting seven churches and comtemplating on the life and sufferings of the Lord. Due to a very hectic schedule, I have to move my Visita Iglesia to Holy Wednesday, instead of the usual Maundy Thursday.
My first stop, the parish of Santa rosa de Lima in the town of Santa Rosa Laguna.
The church of Santa Rosa Laguna was built sometime in 1796, and its first cura parocco or parish priest was Padre Francisco Favier. The church, which was built during the Hispanic era, is made of adobe, bricks and stone. And just like the typical church built during the colonnial era, The Santa Rosa de Lima church sits right in front of a large plaza.
One of the highlights of this church is ist hexagonal shaped belfry with a globe on top of it. Another important detail is its doors with its intricate carvings.
During the Great Year of the Jubilee in 2000, the church of Santa Rosa was declared as Jubilee Church. This means that Catholic faithful can attend mass in this church and gain indulgences for the wrongdoings committed.
Although a newer church was built just a few meters away from the Santa Rosa de Lima Parish, this house of God is still being used until today.
