The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has declared the Sta. Ursula Parish Church in Binangonan, Rizal, as a National Cultural Treasure for its centuries-old history and immense religious significance.
Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Cruz Santos, NCCA Chairman Victorino Mapa Manalo, NCCA Deputy Executive Director Marichu Tellano, former NCCA Chairman Felipe De Leon, Rizal Governor Nina Ynares, and Binangonan Mayor Caesar Ynares led the declaration rites.
The 225-year-old church is one of the very few churches in the world administered by three priestly orders: the Franciscans, Jesuits, and Augustinians.
Sta. Ursula Parish was first built in 1621 by the Franciscans. The Jesuits then took over the church in 1679, followed by the Augustinians in 1697.
Management duties were returned to Franciscans in 1737.
Aside from Sta. Ursula Parish, three other churches in Rizal province were declared as National Cultural Treasures by the NCCA. These are the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of San Jose in Baras, St. Jerome Parish Church in Morong, and San Ildefonso de Toledo Church in Tanay.