Saint Catherine of Siena Parish Church, commonly known as Samal Church, is a Roman Catholic church located in Samal, Bataan, Philippines. The church is dedicated to the Italian saint Catherine of Siena. The Dominicans constructed the first church in 1596. It is under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Balanga.[1]

Samal Church
Saint Catherine of Siena Parish Church
Parroquia de Santa Catalina de Siena de Samal (Spanish)
Church facade in 2013
Samal Church is located in Luzon
Samal Church
Samal Church
Location in Luzon
Samal Church is located in Philippines
Samal Church
Samal Church
Location in the Philippines
14°46′12.5″N 120°32′30.0″E / 14.770139°N 120.541667°E / 14.770139; 120.541667
LocationSamal, Bataan
CountryPhilippines
DenominationRoman Catholic
History
StatusParish church
Founded1596; 428 years ago (1596)
DedicationCatherine of Siena
Architecture
Functional statusActive
Heritage designationNational Historical Landmark
Designated1939
Architectural typeChurch building
Administration
DivisionVicariate of St. Dominic De Guzman
ProvinceSan Fernando
MetropolisSan Fernando
ArchdioceseSan Fernando
DioceseBalanga
Clergy
ArchbishopFlorentino G. Lavarias
Bishop(s)Sede Vacante
Priest(s)Josue V. Enero

The parish has a Catholic population of 11,581, under Titular of St. Catherine of Siena, with Feast day on April 30. Its former Parish Priest is Monsignor Edilfredo Cruz of the[citation needed] Vicariate of St. Dominic de Guzman.[2] As of June 5, 2023, Fr. Josue V. Enero was assigned as new Parish Priest of the church.[3]

History

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The Dominicans in 1596 directed the spirituality of Samal. Attacked by Dutch invaders in April 1647, the local garrison of Pampanga under Alejo Aguas ousted the Dutch forces. Rev. Jeromino Belen, O.P. rebuilt the ruined church and the convent. In 1896 the Katipuneros burned the church and convent which were rebuilt by Rev. Justo Quesada in 1903.[4]

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines declared the church as a national historical landmark in 1939.[5]

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References

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  1. ^ "St. Catherine's images in old Bataan church attract pilgrims". radyonatin.com. Retrieved March 1, 2024.
  2. ^ "Department of Tourism - The Philippines Ultimate Travel Guide for Tourist". Visitmyphilippines.com. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  3. ^ "NewAssignsJune6". Balangadiocese.com. June 6, 2011. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  4. ^ "Samal Church (Samal, Bataan)". Retrieved March 1, 2024.
  5. ^ "Church of Samal | Registry". Retrieved March 1, 2024.
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