Maribojoc Church: Holy Cross Parish in Bohol

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Maribojoc Church: Holy Cross Parish in Bohol
Maribojoc Church: A Historic Landmark in Bohol
The Maribojoc Church was founded in 1767 by the Jesuit Priests as a mission and as a parish dedicated to Santa Cruz. Also known as the Santa Cruz Parish Church or Holy Cross Parish Church, this Roman Catholic parish church is located in the municipality of Maribojoc in the province of Bohol. The church is under the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tagbilaran and has a rich history dating back to the 18th century.
Maribojoc Church as of 2023 By Patrickroque01, CC BY-SA 4.0 , cc
The original church that the Jesuits built was only temporary and was replaced by the Recollects in 1768 with the present structure. The church has undergone several renovations and restorations over the years, including one in 1856 and another in 1955 after it was damaged by an earthquake. Despite these changes, the church still retains much of its original charm and beauty, making it a popular attraction for visitors and locals alike.
Historical Background
The Jesuits first established the parish in 1767 or 1768 with Father Juan Soriano, SJ as its first parish priest. The church was initially made of light materials and was destroyed by a typhoon in 1788.
Maribojoc Church historical marker
The present-day Maribojoc Church was built in 1864 by Father Manuel Carasusan, SJ. The church was made of coral stones and was completed in 1885. It has a Baroque architectural style with a bell tower on its left side. The church’s facade features a relief of the Holy Cross, which is the patron saint of the parish.
During the Philippine Revolution, the Katipunan forces used the church as a fortress. The townspeople also used the church as a refuge during the Philippine-American War. In 1942, the church was burned down by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II. The church was later rebuilt in 1956 under the direction of Father Jose Sanchez, SJ.
Damaged ruins of the church By Carlojoseph14 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0 , cc
In 2013, the church was severely damaged by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck Bohol. The National Museum of the Philippines oversaw the church’s restoration, which was completed in 2021. Today, Maribojoc Church remains a significant cultural and historical landmark in the province of Bohol.
Architectural Design
The Maribojoc Church is a stunning example of colonial architecture from the Spanish era. The church of Maribojoc resembled a cross or cruciform with a low, four-sided pyramidical roof and octagonal cupola. Walls were consistently divided into thick and thin portions designed with finely cut coral stones on the sides. The coral stone design of the Maribojoc Church is a common feature among churches in Bohol.
Facade of the Church in Maribojoc
Exterior
The majestic church stands tall with its cruciform plan, its four-sided pyramidical roof straddling the crossing. Its walls are divided into two distinct parts, the upper sections being thinner, possibly built later or to minimize earthquake damage. The entire building is faced with finely cut coral stone, and remnants of reddish tint on its decorative features – frames, cornices, and pilasters – are a testament to colonial building technology and esthetics.
The coral stones design of the Church is a common feature among churches in Bohol By Qaalvin, CC BY 3.0 , cc.
At the center of the façade, a bas-relief of San Vincent Ferrer, the secondary patron of the parish, stands proudly, and a string of “cookie mould” flowers cut into the stone along the lower cornice of the façade resembles that of Talibon cathedral’s epistle transept entrance. An extension from the façade leads to the bell tower, impressive in its squat bulkiness, with two windows featuring clock faces, one of them bearing the name of Jose Altonaga, indicating that the clockwork came from a company well-known in Manila in the late 19th century.
Interior
The interior of the Maribojoc Church is just as impressive as its exterior. Its three Neogothic altars are a delightful surprise, adorned with gilded hardwood traceries and finials that have been expertly carved.
Isle leading to the Altar – Santa Cruz Parish in Bohol.
Dome of Santa Cruz Parish Church in Bohol
The main nave’s altar stands tall, featuring a beautiful statue of the Holy Cross, while the two side altars display statues of the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph. The wooden ceiling is a marvel to behold, with its intricate designs and patterns, and the marble floor only adds to the church’s grandeur.
Pipe Organ and Choir Loft
Adjoining the choir loft is a smaller construction that houses a majestic organ with metal pipes. This type of organ dates back to the 1890s and was last played in 1975. Sadly, many of the parts have already deteriorated. The music stands over the keyboard is a delight, shaped like a butterfly.
Spanish-era pipe organ in Maribojoc By Malou Buenconsejo – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0 , cc
The choir loft is home to a decrepit lectern, a relic of the music that once filled the air. Above, a mural depicts the sacrament of baptism, officiated by Padre Quiterio Sarigumba, a ‘builder priest’ who repairs the Jagna church and adds new façades to the Inabanga and Panglao churches. The bell tower, once accessible from the choir loft, has been closed off for some time.
Retablo
The five intricately carved and painted retablos that adorn the sanctuary and transepts of the Maribojoc church are a sight to behold. Not only do they feature recognizable gothic motifs like pointed arches and crockets, but the profusion of carving and the variety of colors give them a unique style that can’t be found anywhere else.
Retablo Mayor of Maribojoc Church
An inscription on the upper reaches of the central retablo reveals that the project was completed on January 7, 1934, and was sponsored by the parish’s Comite de Obras. The initials P.Q.S. belong to the parish priest at the time, Padre Quiterio Sarigumba. These Maribojoc retablos are the last of a long line of masterpieces by Bohol carvers, including the retablos of Baclayon, Loboc, and Tagbilaran.