The Spanish Dominicans worked for the catholic Church in Manaoag from 1610 to 1971 less 10 years ( out-break of the Revolution against Spain to 1908 when the American soldiers left Manaoag) or a total of 351 years. Most famous of the Spanish Missionaries of Manaoag are Fathers: Tomas Gutierrez, Juan De San Jacinto, Jose Solis, Fernando Sta. Maria, Hilario del Campo, Andres Duque, Domingo Andres, Mariano Rodriguez, Basilio Martin, Teodulo Cajigal, Evaristo Rojo, Gerardo Manzanedo, and Patricio Rodgrigo.
Fr. Juan De San Jacinto was the one who transfered the Church and town to its present site, and placed it under the patronage of Our Lady of the Rosary. The first churches were of modest size and materials. It was only in 1701 when the first church of bricks was put up by Don Gaspar Gamboa and his wife Dona Agata Yangta, Spaniards and members of the Dominican Third Order. They eventually donated the church to the Dominican Fathers. various improvements were made on this church until it was destroyed by the earthquake of 1832. efforts were made to build new churches but they were destroyed by the earthquakes of 1880, and 1893. Fr. Hilario Del Campo made plans for a new, big church, but was not finished because of the Revolution of 1898 which occasioned by departure of the Spanish Dominicans from Pangasinan.From 1898 to 1908 the spiritual care of Manaoag was under a Filipino secular priest named Fr. Mariano Pacis. When peace returned to the Philippines under the American occupation, the Spanish Dominicans returned. They were offered San Carlos or Manaoag to keep as souvenir of their apostolic work in this Region. They chose Manaoag because of the donation made by Don Gaspar Gamboa and because it has the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin.
The Miraculous Our Lady of Manaoag Church
One of the religious churches in the province of Pangasinan, the Church of Our Lady of Manaoag, located in Manaoag, Pangasinan, purportedly has a long history of miraculous and pious events that are duplicated in the murals all over the church. This is done so that the events will never be forgotten. Devotees, coming from all over the globe, have various reasons for visiting the place among of which are pleads for health restoration, good voyage, or better fate.
Swarms of people fill the place during Sundays and religious occasions such as the Virgin Mary’s birthday, Holy Week, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Inside the church, there is an archaic ambiance with the old bricks and ancient architecture. Pews are lined up from all sides and at the very center is the altar. In the highest portion of the altar is where the Lady of Manaoag majestically stands.
With its crown and scepter made of shimmering diamonds, anyone could just but stare with awe. Surrounding her are numerous flickering electric candles that seem to dance with a rhythm. From the faces of the devotees, one could spell out the great need for miracles on health, fortune, problems, and a lot more. The feeling of having despaired when all else failed and only an ounce of hope is left.
There is also a chance for people to be able to touch the Lady of Manaoag by climbing up to the second floor through a stairs located at the back of the church. The soft velvet gown worn by the Lady of Manaoag has a faded spot from where the devotees streaked their hands. After a devotee makes a quick prayer, touches the back of the Lady of Manaoag, and makes a sign of the cross, they move across a souvenir store and on their way out of the building.
Of course, when visiting the place, one should not forget about stopping by the stores situated inside and near the church. The canteen at the parking lot of the church sells the best turon in town. It is a delightful snack which is a banana wrapped in a crispy material and coated with sugar. Outside, there are stores that also sell souvenirs such as prayer books, colorful rosaries of different sizes, carved wooden religious figures, wooden crafts, and local native cakes such as tupig and patupat.
From Manaoag, one could also go to the beaches of Dagupan, San Fabian, and Lingayen, to the commercial city of Urdaneta, or to the Señor Divino Tesoro in Calasiao.
These are but among the things that should be visited in Our Lady of Manaoag Church in Pangasinan. Religion, miracles, native food, and souvenirs are all worth the time spent in the travel to the place. Come visit and have a worthwhile experience in the Our Lady of Manaoag Church.
Virgin Mary, Mother of GOD, Queen of the most Holy Rosary, Thou, who hast chosen to raise thy throne of mercy in Manaoag, to be the beloved protectress and Patron of the province of Pangasinan, and there from to bestow thy graces on us, thy children, banished in this valley of tears, look down with thine eyes of mercy upon me who am beset with so many dangers of body and soul. Despise not my petition, O dearest Mother, but intercede for me before thy divine Son now and at the hour of my death, Amen. Virgin of Manaoag, pray for us.
She is believed to have countless miraculous tales and healing powers. For those who cannot visit the shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag, Philippines. A Prayer & lighting a candle for Our Blessed Lady is very powerful.Just believe, pray and light a candle.
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