Saint Peter of Alcantara Parish/ Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Turumba in Pakil, Laguna
After visiting the historical church of Paete (Check: Saint James the Apostle Parish / Paete Church), we headed to another stunning church in Laguna. This time, we went to Pakil. The church is designated under the patronage of Saint Peter of Alcantara and also designated as a diocesan shrine of Nuestra Señora de los Dolores de Turumba. Our Lady of Turumba is one of the most prominent marian images during the annual Intramuros Grand Marian Procession (Check: Intramuros Grand Marian Procession).
Interestingly, Pakil was formerly part of Paete until it became independent in 1676. The first church of Pakil was built of light materials, nipa, and bamboo and was dedicated under the patronage of Saint Peter of Alcantara. The first stone church was constructed in 1732 but was burned down in 1739. They restarted the construction and completed it in 1767 with the addition of a tower in 1777.
The miraculous image of Our Lady of Turumba, on the other hand, was unveiled in 1788. Much like many old churches in the country, the Pakil Church also went through a lot of different challenges. It was once again burned down in 1840 and was utterly damaged by earthquake in 1881. Another earthquake in 1937 merely destroyed the church. It was also utterly damaged during the second World War. The last major repair in Pakil Church took place from 1980 to 1984 when they renovated the ceiling and rebuilt its bell tower.
Pakil church comes with a very stunning facade.adorned with Corinthian columns and various floral and angel head bas relief along with the Franciscan seal. The second level features a glass window on the center niche and two Franciscan saints on the other niches. The one on the right features the image of Saint Anthony and I’m not sure with the other one. I can’t get a clearer view but probably San Pedro Bautista or San Juan Capistrano. The niche on the pediment features the image of Saint Peter of Alcantara.
A bas relief features a Franciscan seal adorned with floral details.
The belfry houses four small bells and one huge bell. Adjacent to the church is the Pakil Church convent which also leads you to the chapel that enshrines the original image of Our Lady of Turumba.
The church welcomes you with a breathtaking interior.Adorned with exquisitely carved retablos and intricately painted ceiling.
The main retablo and the side altars feature a huge collection of saints and images. Each comes with elaborately carved niche.
The main retablo alone houses 14 saints. The upper niche enshrines Saint Michel Archangel. The second-level niches feature images of San Pascual Baylon, San Pedro de Alcantara and Santa Isabel de Ungria. The third level features four Franciscan saints ( Sto. Domingo de Guzman, San Bernardino de Siena, San Francisco de Asis and San Pedro Bautista) and also enshrines the image of Our Lady of Turumba on the center niche. The lower-most level features images of San Juan Apostol, San Pedro, the Crucified Lord (as well as the tebarnacle), San Pablo and San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.
Another breathtaking detail of the church is the beautifully and intricately painted ceiling with images depicting various events from the Old testament.
The paintings surrounding the dome are references to various events in the new Testament
Another closer view of the ceiling and the dome.
A pulpit can also be found on the side of the church
Located near the pulpit is another masterpiece of Luciano Dans (the one who painted the wall murals in Paete church).
The painting depict Heaven, Earth and Hell and the Final Judgement which shares the same concept with one of Dans’ paintings in Paete.
Some old images can also be found in Pakil. This one is an old image of Santo Cristo
Mary
Saint John
Adjoining the church are a convent, sacristy, adoration room/chapel, and an ecclesiastical museum in honor of the Our Lady of Turumba.
The museum contains clothes, perfumes, jewelry, and other historic memorabilia.
One of the crowns worn by Our Lady of Turumba
Inside the convent is a small chapel that enshrines the original oil painting of Our Lady of Turumba
The original oil painting of Nuestra Señora delos Dolores de Turumba.
The word turumba is from the Tagalog phrase “Natumbá sa lakí ng tuwâ”. The first turumba in the icon’s honour was held on September 14, 1788. The icon of Our Lady is a 9 by 11 inches (23 by 28 cm) oil painting on canvas. The face of Mary is contorted by pain from the dagger plunged into her heart, which Simeon has prophesied. It was found floating in Laguna de Bay on the bank of the Matamig River and its presence began the devotion of Our Lady by the church.
In honor of the miraculous image, the town annually celebrates the Turumba Festival which is said to be the largest and longest religious celebration in the country. It consists of seven Turumba novenas, or lupi, for seven months commemorating the seven sorrows of the Virgin Mary. Sadly this year, the Turumba Festival was canceled by the Pakil municipal government following measures against the spread of the coronavirus disease.
The statue image of Our Lady of Turumba
Saint Peter of Alcantara Parish/ The Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Turumba or the Pakil Church was part of our Laguna Pilgrimage last year. After Pakil, we headed next to our second-to-the-last destination ~ the Nuestra Señora De Candelaria Parish in Mabitac, Laguna.
If you have suggestions or corrections, feel free to leave a comment.
You can check more of my Visita Iglesia series below
►List of Churches in CAVITE for Visita Iglesia
►List of Churches in BATANGAS for Visita Iglesia
►List of Churches in LAS PIÑAS and PARAÑAQUE for Visita Iglesia
►List of Churches in ZAMBALES for Visita Iglesia
►MANILA Pilgrimage Tour
►FIVE JUBILEE CHURCHES in MANILA
►List of Retreat Centers Near MANILA
►FATIMA Churches in CAVITE
►Seven Churches in TARLAC for Visita Iglesia
Also check my other Pilgrimage Series
►Pilgrimage to Tarlac
►Pilgrimage in Bataan
►Pilgrimage in Cavite
►Pilgrimage in Zambales
►Pilgrimage In Manila
►Pilgrimage in Batangas
►Pilgrimage in Laguna
I visited quite a few historical churches when I lived in the Philippines. They are awesome! While I did visit several cities and towns on the southern part of Laguna Lake, I never made it over to Pakil. I will have to go the next time I am in the Philippines!
Wow, just look at that architecture and artwork! It’s astonishing to think of the time and effort that went into building something so grand.
Your photos are amazing. I bet that this is even more gorgeous in person!
It’s an impressive church. I want to visit it myself as I love going to old churches. I think Laguna has a lot of beautiful churches.
Gosh the interior is absolutely stunning! All those colours and intricate art work…that is definitely a sight to behold.
Nnniiiiccceeeeee….all these items are stunning….carrying a lot of history in them! I would so much love to see them in person!
Oh, this building is wonderful. The interior of the church is impressive with all these paintings and statues. I would like to visit it. Thanks for sharing!
Do you also wish whenever you go to a new Church? I do! I haven’t been here at Saint Peter of Alcantara Parish. I hope to visit it soon.
Wow, the place looks amazing from outside and inside as well. Hope you enjoyed going there!
Fransic – https://www.querianson.com/
This is my first time learning about this church. Thank you for the information and I hope I could be able to visit this someday when I travel to the Philippines. I will make sure to tell this to my friend so we can include Laguna since she is from there.
I’m sorry that some beauties are on the other side of the world. I love sacred art and this is a marvel!
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