Samal Church

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Samal Church
Saint Catherine of Siena Parish Church
Parroquia de Santa Catalina de Siena de Samal (Spanish)
Samal Church, Bataan, Aug 2025 (2).jpg
Church facade in 2025
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Samal Church
Location in Luzon
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Samal Church
Location in the Philippines
14°46′12.5″N120°32′30.0″E / 14.770139°N 120.541667°E / 14.770139; 120.541667
Location Samal, Bataan
Country Philippines
Denomination Roman Catholic
History
Status Parish church
Founded1596;429 years ago (1596)
Dedication Catherine of Siena
Architecture
Functional statusActive
Heritage designationNational Historical Landmark
Designated1939
Architectural type Church building
Administration
DivisionVicariate of St. Dominic De Guzman
Province San Fernando
Metropolis San Fernando
Archdiocese San Fernando
Diocese Balanga
Clergy
Archbishop Florentino G. Lavarias
Bishop(s) Rufino C. Sescon, Jr.
Priest(s) Josue V. Enero

Saint Catherine of Siena Parish Church, commonly known as Samal Church, is a Roman Catholic church located in Samal, Bataan, Philippines. The church is dedicated to the Italian saint Catherine of Siena. The Dominicans constructed the first church in 1596. It is under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Balanga. [1]

Contents

The parish has a Catholic population of 11,581, under Titular of St. Catherine of Siena, with Feast day on April 30. Its former Parish Priest is Monsignor Edilfredo Cruz of the[ citation needed ] Vicariate of St. Dominic de Guzman. [2] As of June 5, 2023, Fr. Josue V. Enero was assigned as new Parish Priest of the church. [3]

History

The Dominicans in 1596 directed the spirituality of Samal. Attacked by Dutch invaders in April 1647, the local garrison of Pampanga under Alejo Aguas ousted the Dutch forces. Rev. Jeromino Belen, O.P. rebuilt the ruined church and the convent. In 1896, the Katipuneros burned the church and convent which were rebuilt by Rev. Justo Quesada in 1903. [4]

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines declared the church as a national historical landmark in 1939. [5]

References

  1. "St. Catherine's images in old Bataan church attract pilgrims". radyonatin.com. Retrieved March 1, 2024.
  2. "Department of Tourism - The Philippines Ultimate Travel Guide for Tourist". Visitmyphilippines.com. Archived from the original on October 30, 2012. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  3. "NewAssignsJune6". Balangadiocese.com. June 6, 2011. Archived from the original on February 15, 2013. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  4. "Samal Church (Samal, Bataan)" . Retrieved March 1, 2024.
  5. "Church of Samal | Registry" . Retrieved March 1, 2024.