Taal’s Caysasay Church Honored as National Cultural Treasure and Historical Landmark

TAAL — The Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay, recently designated as a National Cultural Treasure and National Historical Landmark, is poised to enhance the preservation of the province’s history and deepen the Catholic faith in the region.

According to Philippines News Agency, the church coordinator for the shrine ministry council, the designation recognizes the shrine’s significance not only to the Catholic community but also to Filipino culture at large. Lascano, in a discussion with the Philippine News Agency, emphasized the shrine’s role in fostering devotion and cultural identity, stating, “[It is] one of the most important treasures in our culture. It helps the shrine ministry to increase devotion and share in the mission as it gives a shared responsibility as a Filipino.”

The church, which was closed for renovations for over two years, was formally handed back to the Archdiocese of Lipa by the National Museum of the Philippines on June 20. The reopening ceremony was marked by a solemn dedication of the church and altar, officiated by Most Rev. Charles Brown, D.D., the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, and Most Rev. Gilbert Garcera, D.D., Archbishop of Lipa.

Lascano also noted that the shrine welcomes non-Catholic tourists to participate in religious tourism, enriching the cultural and religious experience for all visitors. “We are very blessed as Batangueños and Filipinos because here in this specific spot there is a dear virgin of Caysasay. May we remember that we have a mother to be close to, someone to pray to and be thankful for,” he added.

Taal Mayor Pong Mercado reflected on the resilience of Taaleños and the commitment of local and national bodies to preserve history. He acknowledged the financial challenges faced by the local government in supporting the shrine’s rehabilitation and expressed gratitude towards the National Museum for their substantial support. “The National Museum lifted the heavy burden from all of us… we are grateful for their support and dedication in ensuring the completion of the rehabilitation,” Mercado said.

The Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay Church Complex will now be included in the Taal Heritage Preservation Code and safeguarded by ordinances that enforce preservation and zoning laws, preventing inappropriate developments around the shrine.

Devotee Nelson Cuevas from Manila expressed hope that the renewed interest and the shrine’s recognition will inspire younger generations to engage more actively in church activities. He anticipates initiatives from the church administration and local government to spark further interest in this historic site.

The church traces its origins to a miraculous event in 1603 when a fisherman named Juan Maningkad discovered a 12-inch image of Our Lady of Caysasay in the Pansipit River, described as radiating with heavenly luster.