Basilica of St. Martin de Tours: Taal, Batangas

The Basilica of St. Martin de Tours is being dubbed as the largest Catholic church in Asia. Its outstanding landmark is that it sits atop of a hill right at the center of the town. Its length is 96 meters and width of 48 meters it is impossible for anyone not to notice this structure. The fiesta of St. Martin de Tours is being celebrated during November 11. 

The two distinctive features of the basilica are the facade (which remind you the St. Peters Basilica in Rome, Italy) and the silver tabernacle (claimed to be only one of its kind in the country). Now take a lot of those shots I have taken during my pilgrimage in Batangas. 

The Altar

Often called the Taal Basilica, this church is among the most visited churches in Batangas province during Lenten Season. It is also popular for those couples who wants to tie the knot. 

Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Church: Sta. Teresita, Batangas

St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish was established in September, 1943 in Barrio Sambat, Taal now Poblacion I, Sta. Teresita, Batangas. It became independent from Taal Parish upon consultation of Rev. Fr. Vicente R. Catapang, first parish priest, with the Vicar General Msgr. Alfredo A. Obviar and the approval of His Excellency Alfredo Versoza, Bishop of Lipa.  

At the time of Rev. Fr. Alberto B. Macalipay, the present site was acquired and the new church was constructed. This was blessed and dedicated on October 18, 1986 by the Archbishop Rocardo J. Vidal, D.D. assisted by Bishop Salvador Q. Quizon, D.D. On January 2, 2007 this was was decreed Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus and of the Holy Face by Archbishop Ramon C. Arguelles, D.D. with Rev. Fr. Eriberto R. Cabrera, Parish Priest. 

Providentially, with its ninth parish priest, Rev. Fr. Joseph Rodem C. Ramos and the leadership of the Parish Pastoral Council with Mrs. Elvira M. Reyes as President, massive renovation ensued. Higher roofing structure, demolition of the old convent for a bigger church and new alter were made in preparation for the 3rd Visit of the Pilgrim Relics of St. Therese on February 4-6, 2013 and the 70th inauguration of the parish in 2013. 

This heavenly endeavor was realized through the help of countless devotees especially the families of Mr. and Mrs. Rolando I and Emelita Salazar, Mr. and Mrs. Ricardo and Fe Casabuena and the Construction Committee. On this day, the 140th birthday of St. Therese, 2nd Day of January, year of our Lord 2013, the blessing and dedication of the Archdiocesan Shrine is officiated by His Excellency Ramon C. Arguelles, D.D., STL, Achbishop of Lipa.