My Liliw: St. John the Baptist

My Philippines is a religious country. It is predominantly a Catholic country in all of Asia.

Catholicism in My Philippines can be traced back to the Spanish Era which has a great impact on the Filipino culture and traditions.

Though it is notable that there is an alarming number of new religions mushrooming all over the archipelago,  80.9% of the Filipinos are still Catholics based on it's 2000 Census.

My hometown Liliw is predominantly a Catholic town. I was raised as Catholic and schooled in Catholic schools. Though I don't consider myself as religious, I can proudly say that I am a "faithful".

My Liliw has one Catholic Church - The St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. It is where my parents were married. It is where my parents' parents were married too.

It is where my brothers and I were baptized. And it is where I usually go to when I was having some down times.

St. John the Baptist is not just a church. To the Liliwenos, it is the heart of Liliw. It is the core of the Liliwenos' values. It is the Liliwenos' solid foundation of their characteristics.

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church is located in the center of the town. You will never miss it because it is right next to the town Plaza. This historical bricked architecture embodies the faith of the Liliwenos - strong, solid and unshakable.

 

The church was founded in 1605 by the Spanish Friars. Damaged by natural disaster, it was rebuilt in the 1800s. Through the years it has undergone several renovations and restorations to maintain and protect this historical architecture.

Today, it is one of the most visited sites in Laguna especially during Visita Iglecia around Holy Week season.

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church for me is my refuge. It is not just a place. It is not just an establishment or an architecture or a historical building.

My Liliw's St. John the Baptist Catholic Church is my home.

Photo Credits: Thanks to my brother Japol. [ALL except 1 of the photos here are from JAPOLOGY which are also the photos selected for St. John the Baptist Parish Church's 2013 Calendar.]

For more interesting information about Lililw's St. John the Baptist click the links below:
1. Liliw Laguna Tourism
2. Laguna Travel Guide

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This is regular weekly post for MY PHILIPPINES. For more interesting story about the beautiful "Pearl of the Orient"... click HERE.