Peñaranda Church
Roman Catholic church in Nueva Ecija, Philippines
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Saint Francis of Assisi Parish Church, commonly known as Peñaranda Church, is a Roman Catholic parish church located at Penaranda, Nueva Ecija, Philippines.[1] It is under the Diocese of Cabanatuan with Francis of Assisi as patron saint.[2]
| Peñaranda Church | |
|---|---|
| Saint Francis of Assisi Parish Church | |
The church in 2014 | |
  Peñaranda Church Location in Nueva Ecija .svg) Peñaranda Church Location in Luzon .svg) Peñaranda Church Location in the Philippines | |
| 15°21′12.4″N 121°00′06.9″E | |
| Location | Peñaranda, Nueva Ecija |
| Country | Philippines |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Founded | 1853 |
| Dedication | Saint Francis of Assisi |
| Architecture | |
Functional status | Active |
Heritage designation | NHCP Marked Structure |
| Designated | 1951 |
Architectural type | Church building |
| Style | Baroque |
| Groundbreaking | 1869 |
| Completed | 1889 |
| Administration | |
| Archdiocese | Lingayen-Dagupan |
| Diocese | Cabanatuan |
| Clergy | |
| Bishop | Prudencio Andaya Jr. |
History
The Roman Catholic parish of Peñaranda was founded in 1853.[2] Its first church with cogon roof and stone walls was constructed by Fr. Alvaro Calleja. In 1869, Fr. Florentino Samonte ordered the commencement of the church construction. This was continued by Fr. Isidoro Prada from 1873 to 1875, and also by Fr. Candido San Miguel from 1879 to 1881. The church was finished by Fr. Santos Vega from 1887 to 1889. The convent made of bricks and stone was built by Fr. Valentin Gato de la Fuente from 1889 to 1891.[3] In 1951, a historical marker was unveiled for the church by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.[4]
It is one of the Jubilee Churches for the 500 Years of Christianity in the Philippines.[1]
On October 4, 2024, a Solemn Mass was officiated by Archbishop Charles John Brown with Parish Priest Fr. Sedfrey J. Calderon to celebrate the patronal festival of Saint Francis of Assisi and the 170th Founding Anniversary of the Parish.
Gallery
View of the facade from the church plaza
Interior view from the choir loft (2015)
Church main door
Stairway to the belfry
Church altar
Religious images of Francis and Clare of Assisi
View of the nave from the altar
Side view of the church
Church plaza
