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San Pedro Apostol Parish / Apalit Church of Apalit, Pampanga

May 17, 2025May 17, 2025 adminbdmc 0 Comments a pilgrimage to pampanga, apalit, apalit church, Apung iru, churches in pampanga, old churches in pampanga, pampanga, religion, san pedro apostol parish church, san pedro apostol parish church apalit, travel

After visiting the Santa Catalina Parish in Arayat, Pampanga (Check: Arayat Church), we have concluded our Pampanga pilgrimage in Apalit. I was in awe when I saw how enormous this church was. The Apalit Church is dedicated under the patronage of Saint Peter the Apostle who is referred to in Kapampangan as “Apung Iru”.

The town Apalit got its name from the Narra Tree which is locally translated in Kapampangan as “Apalit”. Before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, Apalit was already a thriving Kapampangan settlement. Spanish missionaries arrived in Apalit in the late 1500s.

Before becoming an independent town, Apalit was originally part of the vast encomienda of Calumpit, which is now in the province of Bulacan. Calumpit was one of the earliest Spanish mission centers in Central Luzon, established by Augustinian missionaries in the late 1500s. Due to its strategic location along the Pampanga River, Apalit was a vital satellite community that contributed to Calumpit’s growth through agriculture and trade. Over time, Apalit’s population increased and its role in the region grew more significant. Recognizing its potential for further development and effective governance, the Augustinian friars separated Apalit from Calumpit, and in 1597, it was officially established as a mission territory and independent town under the patronage of Saint Peter the Apostle.

Like many other churches in the country, the first church structures of Apalit were made of light materials such as nipa and bamboo, which were typical for early mission churches. The present stone church was started in the mid-19th century, largely due to the efforts of Fr. Antonio Redondo, OSA, an Augustinian friar. He began construction of the current church building in 1854, and work continued under Fr. Toribio Fanjul, OSA, who completed the church in 1862.

Throughout the years, the church underwent several restorations and renovations, especially after being damaged by natural disasters. Despite modernization, much of the original Spanish-era design has been preserved. The church remains one of the few in Pampanga that still holds onto its colonial grandeur. The San Pedro Apostol Parish Church has long been the spiritual center of Apalit. It plays a major role in organizing religious activities, catechism, and community outreach. It is especially prominent during the Libad Festival, when the image of St. Peter is taken from the church to the river for the grand fluvial procession, attracting thousands of devotees.

(The Libad Fluvial Procession : Photo from Exploring Philippines)

This popular traditional fluvial procession called Libad honouring Saint Peter the Apostle was instituted by Capitán del Pueblo Don Pedro Armayan Espíritu in June of 1844. The event features a vibrant river procession along the Pampanga River, where a centuries-old image of St. Peter is paraded on a lavishly decorated boat. This celebration draws thousands of devotees and visitors, showcasing Apalit’s deep Catholic faith and cultural heritage.

San Pedro Apostol Parish Church features a striking Neo-Renaissance style façade that reflects Spanish colonial architectural influence. The first thing that will catch your eye is its massive and symmetrical facade. This massive facade was built primarily with stone and lime mortar, giving it a strong and enduring appearance. It features a central arched main entrance, flanked by two arched windows above, providing both aesthetic balance and ventilation to the interior. While the facade is massive, it is worth nothing that unlike other churches, it is not heavily ornated.

(The dome)

One of the most recognizable features is its twin bell towers, situated on either side of the church facade. This actually reminds me of the Baguio Cathedral. Each tower is topped with a dome-like roof and includes multiple tiers , becoming narrower as they rise.

(The Main Entrance)

The church is set within a spacious plaza complemented by statues, gardens, and the parish convent, which is located beside the church. There are also statues outside depicting Saint Peter receiving the key from Jesus.

The interior of the church is even more mesmerizing. The style reflects traditional Spanish Neo-Renaissance design, blended with local Filipino craftsmanship.

It has long and spacious nave, high ceilings, and thick walls lined with religious murals, depicting scenes from the Bible and images of saints.

Similar to Betis Church in Guagua (Check: Betis Church), one of the most stunning features is the painted ceiling.

The ceiling art paintings, also known as trompe l’oeil, were done by a native of Apalit, Marcilino “Siling” Serrano, under the supervision of Caesare Alberoni, an Italian free-lance painter.

The stunning dome of Apalit Church

The main altar and the sanctuaries are equally stunning. The design is ornate, painted with white that is gilded with gold accents, floral motifs, and intricate carvings.

The main altar has two tiers. The upper level enshrines the image of Mary Help of Christians.
Mary Help of ChristiansThe lower niche features the image of Saint Peter (Apung Iru) but the one enshrines here is different from the one they originally use during the fluvial procession. Saint Peter is accompanied here by two Augustinian saints (seemingly San Nicolas de Tolentino and Saint Augustine)

Apung Iru

One of the side altars features the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

The other side enshrines the image of Saint Joseph. I also love the embellishment on top of each side altars that feature symbols associated with Saint Joseph and the Sacred Heart respectively.

Saint Joseph

You can also spot notable saints being displayed. This includes the image of Saint Paul or locally referred to as Apung Ambo

San Juan Nepomuceno

There’s also a pulpit on the side of the church

Choir Loft

San Lorenzo Ruiz