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Saint Joseph Cathedral in Romblon – Oldest Roman Catholic Church in Romblon

The Romblon Cathedral

Romblon, the capital town of Romblon Province, has many things to boast about. Aside from natural wonders, Romblon has heritage and religious sites that tourists must explore. Considered the oldest Roman Catholic church in the province, Saint Joseph Cathedral was one of the 26 colonial churches declared National Cultural Treasures in 2001.

Image of Virgin Mary
Image of Virgin Mary

Built by recollect fathers in the 15th century, Saint Joseph Cathedral showcases a multitude of artistic and tasteful crafts. The windows with stained glass, Byzantine altar, religious paintings, and antique icons mesmerize the visitors. Every year the residents of Romblon and nearby islands celebrate the traditional fiesta. This is to honor the patron saint of Romblon, St. Nino. The cathedral still uses the exponentially old bell made of copper, which was part of the construction in 1640-1726.

Saint Joseph Cathedral in Romblon
Saint Joseph Cathedral in Romblon

In 1991, the image of the Nuestra Señor Sto. Niño de Romblon, placed at the altar of the Saint Joseph Cathedral, was stolen. It was only recovered in Jan 2013 by local Catholic authorities after 22 years of missing.

Belfry of Saint Joseph Cathedral in Romblon
Belfry of Saint Joseph Cathedral in Romblon

The entire structure is made from local resources, which include bricks and blocks made of corals. This cathedral is rich in history, but the best time to visit it is when the church is open for mass. The church’s keepers do not allow anyone inside if there is no scheduled gathering at the cathedral. However, moving outside the church and the campus gives a fabulous feeling. The place is majestic and carries a lot of history.

Image of the Nuestra Señor Sto. Niño de Romblon
Image of the Nuestra Señor Sto. Niño de Romblon

The cathedral is the center of many fiestas, baptisms, and final farewells. Every Roman Catholic of Romblon has been baptized in this cathedral, which makes it more of a pride and glory for the locals.

Inside St Joseph Cathedral in Romblon
Inside St Joseph Cathedral in Romblon

For visitors who come here, if they stand at the plaza and face the cathedral, they would clearly feel that they have been sent back to their colonial days. The real feeling is majestic, grand, and overwhelming.

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Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

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