Sibonga Church

The Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza Church, also known as the Virgin of the Pillar Parish Church or simply Sibonga Church, is a Roman Catholic church in Sibonga, Cebu, Philippines.[1]

Not to be confused with Simala Shrine.

Sibonga Church
Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza Church
Virgin of the Pillar Parish Church
10°01′01.7″N 123°37′09.3″E
LocationSibonga, Cebu
CountryPhilippines
DenominationRoman Catholic
History
DedicationMary, Mother of Jesus (as the Our Lady of the Pillar)
Dedicated1830
Architecture
Architectural typeNeo-Gothic
Years built1866–1898
Administration
ArchdioceseCebu

Background

It was established as a vista of Carcar in 1690 by the Augustinians. The site became a parish dedicated to the Our Lady of the Pillar of Zaragoza in 1830 with the initial church building made in wood. A convent made in stone and coral was built according to the design of Bishop Santos Gómez Marañón of Cebu under the watch of Fr. Prospero Puerto in 1939. The current church building made in stone and coral was built from 1866 to 1898. The building is an example of Neo-Gothic architecture[2]

The church building was renovated under Fr. Francisco Latorre and was inaugurated on November 17, 1907, by Manila Archbishop Jeremiah Harty.[2]

The Sibonga Church is also noted for its interior artworks, especially its ceiling mural. Parish priest Julio Fernandez commissioned Cebuano artist Raymundo Francia who accomplished the artworks from 1927 to 1931. Francia's ceiling mural is noted by the historical marker at the church to be an example of trompe-l'œil.[1]

A historical marker was unveiled at Sibonga Church on December 2, 2010, by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. It is recognized as a Level II historical site.[3]

References
  1. Ponce, Noel H. (August 5, 2018). "Ceiling art astounds churchgoers". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved September 28, 2021.
  2. Simbahan ng Sibonga [Church of Sibonga] (Marker) (in Filipino). Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza Church: National Historical Commission of the Philippines. 2010.
  3. "Simbahan ng Sibonga". National Registry of Historic Sites & Structures in the Philippines (in English and Filipino). National Historical Commission of the Philippines. Retrieved September 28, 2021.
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