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.

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.

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.

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…