St. Monica Parish, Agoo, La Union

Me, Jasper and Wendell in front of the altar of the Church.

October 28, 2011 - After our five day retreat in the wonderful place of Queen of Peace Retreat House in Damortis, La Union, we don't want to miss the opportunity of visiting known churches in the northern Luzon. It is like, we are trying to hit two birds in one stone. And, our expectation ended in a wonderful and magnificent visit to one of the legacies of the Augustinians in the Philippines. As an Augustinian, it is closer to our heart since most of the churches that were built here were spearheaded and administered by our forefathers. One of it is the Parish of St. Monica in Agoo or also known as the Basilica Minore of the Our Lady of Charity. This Church was originally founded by the Franciscans in 1578. It was administered first by them from 1578-1591 and then eventually was turned over to the Augustinians in 1598 and until the time of the last Augustinian Friar, Fr. Jose Torres, OSA in 1898.

The logo of the Order of
St. Augustine is meticulously
carved in one of the pillars
of the church.  

The church has a dome and very wide place for the faithful to pray. Its decors and art are likely modernized as part of the constant renovations of the church. I am still thankful that the people of Agoo still recognized the value of the presence of the Augustinians in their place by still putting and carving the logo of the order in one of its pillars. (see picture). 

The church is indeed an Augustinian since its patron is St. Monica, the mother of the spiritual founder of the Order of St. Augustine. The was administered by at least three major order of the Catholic Church before it was turned over to the secular priests, namely, Franciscans, Augustinians and Dominicans. The Augustinians have the most number of years served in this parish. In the records of the parish priests of the church, it was only once administered by the dominican, Fr. Francisco Fabie. 

We also visited the museum of the parish, which is just in the left side of the church.

Us, in front of the facade of the church.

The facade of the church but unfortunately the belfry
did not fit in the picture. 

On the background is the patron of the church in
 Agoo, La Union, St. Monica.