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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Bulacan's St. John the Baptist Church marks 450th Jubilee Anniversary

Bulacan's St. John the Baptist Church marks 450th Jubilee Anniversary

Published Mar 3, 2025 12:24 pm

The Municipality of Calumpit, Bulacan celebrated the 450th anniversary of St. John the Baptist Parish Church, one of the oldest churches in the province, on Monday, March 3.

Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown.jpg450th Anniversary of Calumpit Church.jpg

Archbishop Charles Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, presides over a Holy Mass at St. John the Baptist Church in Calumpit, Bulacan on Monday, March 3, 2025 for the 450th Jubilee Anniversary of the Parish Canonical Erection. (Freddie Velez)  

The historic occasion was highlighted by a Holy Mass presided over by Archbishop Charles Brown, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, alongside Bishop Dennis C. Villarojo of the Diocese of Malolos.

The Mass was held at 9 a.m., at the church, which has stood as a symbol of faith for centuries.

In his homily, Archbishop Brown reflected on the diocese’s motto, Gratia, Eucharistia Et Missio (Grace, Eucharist, and Mission), emphasizing that the celebration is not just about the church’s physical structure but about a living, thriving community of believers.

Before the Mass, a welcome ceremony was held at the church patio, led by Bishop Villarojo, Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Ventura Galman, Rev. Fr. Rafael Balite, Rev. Fr. Jowel Carlo San Luis, and members of the Parish Pastoral Council Executive Committee (PPC-EXECOM).

The church was founded in 1575 under the supervision of Augustinian Fr. Diego Vivar-Ordoñez. 

St. John the Baptist Church has played a significant role in Bulacan’s history.
 

It was originally designed with underground escape tunnels leading to the river, allowing priests to flee with church treasures in case of raids.

The tunnels also served as burial sites for revolutionaries and Spaniards, and during World War II. The church grounds also became the site of Japanese General Tanaka’s last battlefield.

As Calumpit marks this milestone celebration, the church continues to stand as a testament to faith, resilience, and the rich cultural heritage of Bulacan.

The event was also attended by Calumpit Mayor Lem Faustino, Vice Mayor Czar Candelaria, Bulacan First District Board Member Mina Fermin, Bureau of Customs Acting Deputy Commissioner Michael Fermin, former Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado, Bulacan Tourism Council Vice Chair Maria Victoria Tengco-Burgos, and representatives from the Provincial History, Arts, Culture, and Tourism Office.

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