The La Paz Church is one of the many reasons why tourists visit Iloilo in the Philippines. This historical church, also known as the Nuestra Señora De La Paz Y Buen Viaje, was built in 1870 with the help of the Spanish friars. This church is now known as the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Church, the direct translation of its Spanish name.
A temporary church and convent was built in 1847 by Fr. Candido Gonzales. It was made mostly of wood, bricks and tabique pampango.
Designed based on a Neoclassical-style, the current La Paz Church stands today as one of the centuries-old attractions in the city of Iloilo. This church, constructed from 1870 to 1874, was made of light materials and had to be renovated several times as the years passed. The most notable development of the La Paz church was in 1995 (in its 125th year) with the management of Msgr. Melencio V. Fegarido. In fact, his achievements were commended by the City Government and its people by placing a marker on one side of the church.
La Paz Church
The La Paz church is sometimes mistaken as the San Jose Church, another century-old church found in Iloilo, because of its dual towers found on the sides of the church as well as its color. Notably, another century-old church, the Jaro Cathedral, also has the dual towers but its design and colors are different from the two.
There are no other remarkable features inside the La Paz church except for the image of the Nuestra Señora De La Paz Y Buen Viaje in the altar. Noteworthy features on the outside of the church is the image on the facade (donated by Dolores Jamero in March 11, 1927), the ornately carved door made from hardwood and the brick wall.
The La Paz Church is about 20 kilometers from Iloilo International Airport going southeast. It is along Jereos Street, located in front of La Paz district Plaza. Most jeepneys with Leganes/Lapaz signboard pass along Commission Civil Street and Burgos Street. Just tell the driver to drop you at the La Paz plaza and walk about 200 meters going northeast. Locals are more than willing to help you for directions.
Mass Schedules at La Paz Church
Sunday Masses
6:00 am – Ilonggo
8:00 am – English
11:15 am English
5:00 pm – Ilonggo
6:15 pm – English
Daily Mass: 6:00 am – Ilonggo
First Friday Mass: 5:00 pm – English
Confession: 5:00 pm (Every Saturday)
Baptism: By Appointment
Feast Day of Our Lady of the Rule
Novenario Masses:
November 12-20, 6:00 am
Feast Day:
November 21
7:00 am – Procession
8:00 am – Concelebrated High Mass
Inside the La Paz Church
Msgr. Melencio V. Fegarido
Nuestra Señora De La Paz Y Buen Viaje
Ornately Carved Door of La Paz Church
Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Church
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About the author
Mark Anthony Maranga is an Educator-Parent to his 3 Homeschooling Kids. He sells Ice Cream and Balloons in Mandaue City, Cebu. Exploring the Philippines tourist attractions together with his family is his passion; they are learning without borders.
Thank you for this article Mr. Maranga. Msgr. Fegarido is my grandfather. My maternal grandmother is his younger sister. It is only through this article that we came to know about the honor accorded to him by the Parish.
thank you for this article Mr. Maranga. I am the granddaughter of Msgr. Melencio Fegarido. It is only through your article that we came to know about the honor accorded to him by the parish. My maternal grandmother is a younger sister of his.
kanami xang simbahan xang lapaz ah