Morong Church - Bataan

Located in the town of Morong in the province of Bataan, Morong Church is one of the several Spanish-era churches in the province.

Morong Church, Morong, Bataan
Morong Church

Morong Church History

Not to be confused with the similarly named church in the province of Rizal, Morong Church is also known and called Our Lady of the Pillar Church. Built during the Spanish colonial era centuries ago, the church is actually one of the oldest in the province. It was said that it was made from the coral stones taken from the nearby seas near the town.  

Morong Church - Morong, Bataan

Morong Church facade

Morong Church as seen from the plaza in front of it.

Speaking about being one of the oldest in the province (Abucay Church is the oldest in Bataan), in my opinion, Morong Church actually looks older than the other churches that I have seen and visited in the province during our Visita Iglesia this year. It is due to the fact that compared to the churches in Hermosa and Orani, the facade of Morong Church looks way older because it seems untouched and rarely renovated.

Morong Church bell tower

The image of the Our Lady of Pillar in the church facade

My aunts checking out the wall marker near the entrance of the church

However, like the two churches that I have visited, the interior of Morong Church is already modernized which now contradicts the century-old feel of its exterior. Despite this, Morong Church is still a must-visit for those who admire historical architecture due to its unique (and some say quirky) facade. 

Close up of Morong Church altar

Morong Church baptismal font

Speaking of its lichen-covered "unique and quirky" facade, it is broad, squat, and not very tall compared to the churches in Bataan. However, I have discovered through my researches that this was actually a typical design for churches built near the seas. This design actually doubles up the purpose of the church. Aside from being a religious sanctuary, it also becomes a fort in case of pirate raids or local rebellions. 

Morong Church interior

Morong Church interior as seen from the altar

What I like about Morong Church, aside from the architectural design and its religious nature is its close proximity to the resorts and the sea. Not that I prioritize pleasure over its religious nature, but looking at it from a "religious" backpacker's perspective, it benefits those who want the go out of town on weekends but do not want to miss mass. 

Team Nicerio in Morong Church

We got to visit Morong Church during our 2016 Bataan - Tarlac Visita Iglesia.
Our Lady of the Pillar Church - Morong, Bataan

Morong Church Admission Fee:

It's FREE to enter and explore Morong Church and its grounds.

Morong Church Mass Schedule:

Monday, Thursday: 6:00 AM
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: 5:30 PM
Saturday: 6:00 AM
Saturday: 5:30 PM (Anticipated Mass)
Sunday: 6:00 AM.; 7:30 AM, and 5:30 PM.

Why visit Morong Church?

Overall, Morong Church is a great choice to be the last church to visit during your Visita Iglesia in Bataan during the Holy Week. After praying the Stations of the Cross, you can immediately go to the beach afterward. 

 Getting to Morong Church:


From Cubao, ride a bus going to Olongapo. From there, ride a jeepney going to Sta. Rita and tell the driver to drop you off at the main gate of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA). Once there, ride the mini-bus or jeepney going to the Poblacion of Morong. You can then walk or ride a tricycle going to Morong Church.

 Ratings: 
Pilgrims
Cleanliness
Overall rating
Location: Morong, 2108 Bataan, Philippines

Comments

  1. AnonymousJune 20, 2023 at 3:30 PM

    Kala ko ang Morong Church ay nasa Bulacan. Meron din pala sa Bataan.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJuly 5, 2023 at 12:01 PM

      Ako rin dati. Now I know may isa pa palang Morong Church. =)

      Delete

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