Orani Church - Bataan

Located in the town of Orani in the province of Bataan, Orani Church is a Roman Catholic Church built during the Spanish Colonial period in the Philippines.

Orani Church

Orani Church history

Also known as Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish Church and Nuestra Senora del Rosario Parish Church, Orani Church was said to be built sometime in the 1600s. The first structure was constructed using nipa leaves and bamboo. It is probably comparable to an open-sided tent than the church structures we have now.   

Orani Church - Orani, Bataan

Orani Church facade and the Museo ng Mahal na Birhen Maria

Orani Church entrance arch

Check out the very detailed church door design

The first church was under the Parish of Samal until formally becoming an independent parish on April 21, 1714. It was then reconstructed using adobe and stone as well as a sturdier roofing material. However, like everything else, the church deteriorated through time. Decades after its reconstruction, the Dominican friars had the church and convent repaired in 1792 and again in 1836. Sadly, both were badly damaged by the earthquake of 1852. It didn't end there though, both structures were gutted down by a big fire on March 27, 1870. 

Orani Church interior

Orani Church altar

The locals didn't give up on their church though. Orani Church was rebuilt and improved from 1868 to 1891 under the supervision of Rev. Bartolome Alvarez del Manzano. Since then the church would be a silent witness to several historical events that shaped up not only Bataan but also the country. Events like the Philippine Revolution all the way to the Japanese Occupation of the town in World War 2 were part of the history of the church.

Inside the Museo ng Mahal na Birheng Maria

The image of the Virgin Mary inside the museum

Beautifully decorated Virgin Mary clothing can be seen inside the museum

The architectural design of Orani Church is said to be a mixture of the old and new architecture. Although it still maintains the same old facade design, its interior had already undergone a lot of reconstruction and redesigning leaving only a few parts of the old church behind. 

The old bell and the historical marker of Orani Church

Orani Church is also known for the 1806 Heritage bell that is installed in front of the church on June 7, 1998. Aside from that, the church is also known for the miraculous Virgen Milagrosa which is visited by a lot of pilgrims throughout the year. 

On September 25, 2012, Orani Church became an Affiliate Church of the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. This means after fulfilling certain conditions, the church pilgrims can avail of the plenary indulgences when they pray in Orani Church. 

On September 10, 2019, Pope Francis conferred Orani Church with the title Minor Basilica making it the first Minor Basilica in the province of Bataan.

The marker of the historic bell of Orani Church

I got to visit Orani Church during our Bataan-Tarlac Visita Iglesia Trip. It was the second church in the province of Bataan that we visited that day. Aside from the beautiful interior, I particularly liked its Museo ng Mahal na Birheng Maria, where one can see numerous relics, vestments, and crowns of the Lady of the Most Holy Rosary. It is in itself probably another go-to place in the town. 

Orani Church Admission Fee: 

It's FREE to enter Orani Church and the Museo of the Mahal na Birheng Maria.

Orani Church Mass Schedule:

Latest Mass Schedule of Orani Church

Why visit Orani Church?

Orani Church is one of the Spanish Colonial Era churches of Bataan. It's a must-include if you are planning to go on a Visita Iglesia or pilgrimage in the province. Aside from that, the Museo ng Mahal na Birheng Maria is a must-see if you are fond of Marian artifacts.

Getting to Orani Church:

From Manila, board a Bataan Transit bus in Avenida or Genesis bus line in Pasay. Tell the conductor to drop you off at Orani town proper. From there, you can walk to Orani Church. If unsure then board one of the numerous tricycles in town to bring you to the church.

Ratings:

Pilgrims

Cleanliness

Overall rating