Information about Holy Rosary Parish Church

Holy Rosary Parish Church

Photo by Holy Rosary Parish - Pisamban Maragul

Holy Parish Church, formerly known as the “Santo Rosario Church,” is situated at the heart of Angeles City in Pampanga. The 141-year-old parish church is also known among locals as “Pisambang Maragul” or big city. It has been declared by the National Museum as one of the most important cultural properties in the country and has been recognized as a National Historic Site by the National Commission for Cultural and the Arts. 

The church was constructed during the Spanish colonial era from 1877 to 1896 and its foundation was first established on October 18, 1877 by the founding families of Angeles City led by Don Mariano Henson. Filipinos mainly built the church via the "polo y servicio” labor system of the Spanish colonial government that forces workers to do labor for free. The first half of the church was finished by April 14, 1896 while the second half of the Catholic site including its distinctive dome was completed on September 17, 1891.

After its belfry was destroyed during World War II, the Philippine government subsequently restored the structure with the help of American troops and finished it in the early 1944s. Aside from celebrating mass here and admiring its architecture, visitors can also walk on the restored cobblestones roads that are a witness to the long-standing history of the church.

As the Holy Parish Church serves as Angeles City’s main religious site, local faithful often visit it for religious activities such as observation of the Lenten Season. The church is dedicated to the Most Holy Virgin of the Rosary, hence, it is also named Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish Church. It was dedicated on February 12, 1896.

Best time to visit

It is best to visit the parish in December when Christmas festivities are in full swing as you will get to see the church adorned in beautiful decorations and have the chance to celebrate advent and Christmas with the parish. The church also holds daily mass throughout the year and is open to the public every day.