Naic Church - Cavite

Naic Church is one of the Spanish era churches found in the province of Cavite. It is located along Captain Ciraco Nazareno St. in the town of Naic in Cavite, Philippines.

Naic Church - Immaculate Concepcion Parish Church

Naic Church History

Also known as the Immaculate Conception Parish Church, Naic Church was constructed sometime around 1796. The first church was made from light materials like wood, nipa, and cogon grass. It was reconstructed using adobe in 1835. The new stone church has an earthquake baroque with a touch of Neo-Gothic elements architectural design which was patterned by the Dominican order to that of the old Sto. Domingo Church in Pre-war Intramuros.

Naic Church - Naic, Cavite

Naic Church facade

Padre Modesto de Castro historical marker

Naic Church is under the Diocese of Imus

Upon completion, Naic Church was one of the tallest and longest of the Spanish colonial era churches in Cavite. It attracted an influx of devotees from nearby and faraway places many of which decided to settle in Naic. In a matter of only four decades (1845 -1888), the 18 barrios of Naic swelled to 50 barrios. 

Naic Church interior

The retablo and altar of Naic Church

Left and right retablos

Historically, Naic Church played an important role in Filipino history. It was once home to the Filipino secular priests, the most famous of which is Fr. Modesto de Castro who wrote the Tagalog novel Urbana at Felisa and several other works like Coleccion de Sermones, Exposicion de la Siete Palabras, and Novena de San Pedro. It also served as a witness during the turbulent times in Filipino history. The Spaniards used the church as headquarters after they retook the town from the Filipino revolutionary forces in 1897. Two years later, in 1899, it was used by the Americans as their barracks. The Japanese also used the church belfry as a watchtower during their occupation of the Philippines during the Second World War. 

 

Saints' room at the side of Naic Church

Inside the Saints' Room of Naic Church

Naic Church interior as seen from the altar

Last 2014, Naic Church underwent restorative work under the funding of the Wong Chu King Foundation (WCKF). The restorative work included strengthening the walls of the church using limestone, renovation and repair of the roof and ceiling, and the creation of a new garden fountain in the courtyard.   

The fountain in the garden

I got to visit Naic Church during our 2018 Cavite Loop Visita Iglesia. It was our 4th church during the said pilgrimage. During our Visita Iglesia, I found out that each old church in Cavite has something to be proud of. In the case of Naic Church, it is very obvious that its size and length plus its beautiful courtyard are its highlights. Sadly, the church museum was closed and the Venerated Image of the Immaculate Concepcion, Patron Lady of Naic found in the altar was covered during our visit. Regardless, that only means that I should revisit this historic church again someday. 

Gotta love the architectural design of Naic Church

Naic Church admission fee:

It's FREE to explore Naic Church and its grounds.

Naic Church Mass Schedule:

Naic Church Mass Schedule

Why visit Naic Church? 

Overall, I highly suggest that pilgrims and history buffs should never miss the opportunity to visit this Naic Church whenever they visit the province of Cavite. There are plenty of things to see inside this historic church. Aside from that, you'd also get the chance to make three wishes if it's your first time visiting this church. (That's a belief of some Catholics.) 

Getting to Naic Church:

From Manila, ride a bus going to the Baclaran Southwest Integrated Bus Terminal. From there ride a bus or minibus heading to Ternate or directly to Naic. Tell the conductor to drop you off at the street nearest Naic Church.

Ratings:

Pilgrims

Cleanliness

Overall rating