SAINT RAPHAEL CHURCH OF LEGAZPI CITY

Our quest for the ultimate city tour started after lunch. We tried a couple of recipes and enjoyed some of the flavors of Bicol’s authentic ingredients at Graceland Baker’s Plaza. After almost an hour of feasting, we noticed an old church just nearby so we checked them out and took pictures before heading towards our planned destination. We did not care about the heat of the sun for all we know nobody seemed to mind it at all.

First stop is at the St. Raphael Church.

We were so lucky to be able to take a quick glance at the church. We took the opportunity to take as many photos as we can.

The St Raphael Parish Church is located in the heart of the Legazpi Port District which is the Legazpi’s center of business and leisure. St Raphael Church is currently standing in the busy street of Penaranda which is just in front of Plaza Rizal in Legazpi City. This is actually one of the historical sites in the province of Albay.

During the Second World War, St. Raphael Church was severely damaged and has been rebuilt to obtain its present form. Several reconstructions and repaintings were made both for interior and exterior part of the church.

The Feast day of St. Raphael on the otherhand happens every 24th of October and coincides the celebration of Legazpi Port and the yearly Ibalong Festival. A gathering and a celebration of Bicol’s Ancient history that recounts the adventures of Bicolandia’s early heroes such as Baltog, Handiong and Bantong.

The original church was constructed in year 1834. It was funded by the generosity of Pedro Romero.

I have been attached to reading some Churches History for quite awhile now and for me I find it very helpful. Now I am completely aware of how the way church history deepens our faith and challenges our cultural differences.

It was from 1587 to 1616 when the Spiritual Administration of this town was under Cagsawa. The church together with the other houses was burned in 1754. On February 1, 1814, the new church and half of the town was destroyed due to the eruption of Mayon Volcano. In 1856, the old name Pueblo Viejo was officially changed to Legazpi.