Pililla Church

Pililla Church
Diocesan Shrine & Parish of St. Mary Magdalene
Diyosesis na Dambana at Parokya ni Santa Maria Magdalena (Filipino)
Church façade in 2023
Pililla Church is located in Luzon
Pililla Church
Pililla Church
Location in Luzon
Pililla Church is located in Philippines
Pililla Church
Pililla Church
Location in the Philippines
14°28′48″N 121°18′24″E / 14.480135°N 121.306699°E / 14.480135; 121.306699
LocationBrgy. Imatong, Pililla 1910 Rizal
CountryPhilippines
DenominationRoman Catholic
History
StatusDiocesan Shrine
Founded1583
Founder(s)Juan de Plasencia and
Diego Oropesa
DedicationMary Magdalene
DedicatedJuly 20, 2018
Relics held
  • Bone of St. Mary Magdalene - 1st Class Relic
  • Cloth of St. Mary Magdalene - 2nd Class Relic
Architecture
Functional statusActive
Architectural typeChurch building
Administration
ProvinceRizal
ArchdioceseArchdiocese of Manila
DioceseDiocese of Antipolo
ParishDiocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Mary Magdalene
Clergy
ArchbishopJose Fuerte Advincula
Bishop(s)Ruperto Cruz Santos
Priest(s)Luisito S. Atanacio

The Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Saint Mary Magdalene, commonly known as Pililla Church, is a Roman Catholic church located in the municipality of Pililla, Rizal, Philippines. It is under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Antipolo. The church was built by the Franciscans in 1583, under the patronage of Saint Mary Magdalene. It is a few kilometers away from San Ildefonso Parish Church, a historical church in Tanay.

On January 16, 1977, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines unveiled the historical marker of St. Mary Magdalene Parish Church.[1]

On July 22, 2018, the parish church was declared a diocesan shrine.

History

Church NHI historical marker installed in 1977

In 1571, the Spaniards conquered and inhabited the towns along Laguna de Bay. Prior to Spanish colonization, Pililla was named Pilang Munti. It was incorporated to the administration of Morong and was named Pilang Morong.

Franciscan priests led by Diego de Oropesa and Juan de Plasencia arrived at Pilang Morong in 1572. As part of the established reducciones system, the Franciscans built the first church made from cogon and nipa in 1583.[2] When Pilang Morong was given autonomy in 1599, the central government granted an authorization to construct a church of stone.[3]

In 1632, a conflagration destroyed the church and the whole town. When a new church was built, another fire ruined the church in 1668. A new church was immediately completed between 1670 and 1673. Renovation of the church altar and the adjacent convent were completed in 1848. Several renovation projects were also completed between 1962 and 1976.[3]

Features

The church is made of adobe, similar to other churches in Laguna. The façade and belfry of the church are simple in design.[3] The baptistery is located at the bottom of the bell tower, on the left side from the vestibule of the church. A small retablo housing the image of Mary Magdalene can be found inside the baptistery.

  • Adoration chapel
    Adoration chapel
  • The NHCP church marker (right) and the marker inscribing its declaration as a diocesan shrine (left)
    The NHCP church marker (right) and the marker inscribing its declaration as a diocesan shrine (left)
  • The main door of the church
    The main door of the church
  • Details of the church ceiling
    Details of the church ceiling
  • Church nave in 2020
    Church nave in 2020
  • Church main altar and reredos
    Church main altar and reredos
  • Ivory Processional Image of Saint Mary Magdalene
    Ivory Processional Image of Saint Mary Magdalene

References

  1. ^ Historical Markers: Regions I-IV and CAR, Volume 1 of Historical Markers. National Historical Institute (Philippines). 1993. p. 95. ISBN 9715380611.
  2. ^ Gutay, OFM., Jose. "Life and Works of Fray Juan de Plasencia". OFM Philippines Archives. Order of Friar Minors Philippines.
  3. ^ a b c "Our Church and Town". magdalenahane.faithweb.com/. St. Mary Magdalene Parish Church. Retrieved October 13, 2014.