Nasugbu Church

     The Roman Catholic Church in Nasugbu was under the jurisdiction of the Parish of the Immaculate Conception of Balayan until prior to its establishment as a separate parish. The first chapel was built in Barangay Looc along with the convento for the priest. The town later on relocated to the present location in the sitio. In 1852, the "Lumang Simbahan" was dedicated in honor of Saint Francis Xavier and Nuestra Senora Virgen de la Escalera. The great antique bell was in thanksgiving "a la Santissima Madre de Dios, Nuestra Senora Virgen de la Escalera." Having been forged in Spain, it bears the king's royal seal. The historian Manuel Sastron wrote in his book Batangas y su Provincia  that the church was well attended by the zealous parish priest, Don Leocadio Dimanlig, or more affectionately known as Padre Cadio. Several years later in 1896, the "Lumang Simbahan" was desecrated during the Spanish War. Under the leadership of Captain Samaniego and Captain Barcelon, several Nasugbuenos took arms against the Spanish army. As a result, the Spanish Army mercilessly locked up nearly 500 men, women, and children in the Lumang Simbahan and set it on fire. Never again was Holy Mass allowed to be  observed in that church after its ungodly desecration. To this day, however, it is still visited by countless devotees, despite the fact Holy Mass is absent.

     Another parish church was built at the present site on Laurel Street. What began as a simple wooden structure, became one of cement. The old retablo mayor  served as the parish church's altar until it was given to Barangay Wawa in the 1960's. When Wawa's chapel of Nuestra Senora de la Paz y Buen Viaje was enlarged, the old retablo mayor was given to Barangay Tumalim which bears the same patroness. The central arch of the retablo altar originally housed the Nuestra Senora Virgen de la Escalera in a glass case. The growing population of Nasugbu, however, necessitated the need for a much larger parish church...

     The late Father Benjamin Percano began construction on the new parish church starting in the early 1990's. Before he passed away, he was able to motivate the generous parishioners of Nasugbu to build a house of worship for the greater glory of God. By that time, the foundations and pillars have already been rooted.

     Monsignor Alberto Boongaling, a native son of Nasugbu, was joyfully received as the new parish priest to succeed the late Father Ben. Through his efforts, his assistant priests, and the open hearts of the parishioners of Nasugbu, a magnificent church materialized one hollow block at a time until a great house of worship came into being. The faith of the people showed in their generosity and support of the construction effort. Every centavo given from the heart was an offering to God as sweet as incense.

    Upon Monsignor Alberto Boongaling's transfer to the Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours in Taal, an equally marvelous pastor took his place in the person of Monsignor Alfredo Madlangbayan. Whereas Father Ben and Monsignor Abet built the foundations and solid structure of the church building, Monsignor Fred had the very wonderful task of providing the beautiful "icing" touchings on the church.

    Having traveled to Europe on several occasions, he dreamed of making Nasugbu just as beautiful if not more remarkable than the cathedrals there. It has always been his dream to have carillion bells installed in Lipa Cathedral. His dream came true when a whole set from France was installed at Nasugbu's church tower in 2006 thanks to generous benefactors.

    The good Monsignor also beautified La Javierada, a multi-functional parish hall where receptions and forums may be held. The main altar feautures a magnificent work in expensive hardwood carvings. The antique larger-than-life crucifix was restored and placed in a prominent position in the central focus of the retablo. The Immaculate Conception is enthroned on the Gospel side and Saint Joseph, the patron of Batangas, is placed on the Epistle side. An image of Saint Francis Xavier surmounts the top arch underneath an antique carving of the Most Blessed Holy Trinity. The Tabernacle of the Most Holy Sacrament is the central focus of the altar. The altar table itself is located centrally underneath the great dome. The ceiling boasts of great beauty!

     On the left side altar is enthroned La Pieta. It is an antique image donated by the Wonchai Family. La Pieta holds a prominent part in the Good Friday burial procession and is among the most venerated in the series of images. To the right side altar is that of Nuestra Senora Virgen de la Escalera. It is the original antique image which was recently restored by Dr. Alberto Wonchai and family. Being the Immaculate Conception, twelve stars adorn her head. A gold crown fitting for the Queen of All Saints. A golden Viceroy's staff symbolizes her history as patron of travelers at sea and as Queen of Heaven and Earth. She wears a golden damask embroidered mantle and cape. Her beautiful long locks of golden brown hair is covered by a long white lace veil. She stands on clouds and an angel holds the symbol of a staircase, because she is Our Lady of the Staircase, because she leads a path for us to reach Christ in Heaven.  

     The magnificent church also possesses an ossuarium, a mausoleum-crypt beneath the altar wherein the bones or ashes of dearly departed loved ones may be interred. What greater way to lay to rest our loved ones than to bury their remains within the house of God!

     To the left of the main door is found the Adoration Chapel. The Most Blessed Sacrament is the heart of the Church. It is in this Most Holy Sacrament that we receive Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in Body, Blood, Soul, and His Divinity. The Adoration Chapel altar features the heavenly host of angels exposing the Most Blessed Eucharist. The Real Presence of Christ dwells in our midst when we adore Him in humility.   

     All our aspirations for building a magnificent Temple for the praise and worship of Almighty God would not have materialized had it not been for the very generous, very faithful and pious, very unselfish parishioners of Nasugbu, both at home and those abroad. We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the Construction Committee (God knows who you are) for their valuable time and energy. Our gratitude to chairperson Mrs. Rosario Apacible and the entire construction committee for a job well done! Our new church building would not have come into existence if it had not been for their dedication. The one peso elderly lolas donate from their very limited resources is just as pleasing to God as one million pesos donated because it came from the heart. Thanks to our parishioners giving everything of what they have, our church came to being. To all our very generous benefactors at home in Nasugbu, in the United States, Canada, and around the world... Maraming, maraming, maraming salamat po sa inyong tulong at mga panalangin. Pagpalain nawa kayo ng Panginoong Diyos. Amen.

    Mabuhay ang Parokya ni San Francisco Xavier!

Everyone, as his heart suggested and his spirit prompted, brought  a contribution to the Lord for the construction of the meeting tent, for all its services, and for the sacred vestments. Everyone who could presented an offering of gold to the Lord.  Exodus 35: 21-22