After our museum visit, we next dropped by the town’s present Early Renaissance-style Diocesan Shrine of St. Anthony of Padua, the first Antonine church in the country.  Located beside the Liceo de Pila (founded in 1947), it was built in 1849 by Frs. Antonio Argobejo and Domingo de Valencia but, during the July 18, 1880 earthquake, was badly damaged and its bell tower toppled.  It was then repaired by Fr. Damaso Bolaños and finished by Fr. Francisco de Santa Olalia.

Diocesan Shrine of St. Anthony of Padua

Its bell tower was rebuilt by Fr. Lope Toledo.  The convent, completed in 1849, was also seriously damaged during the 1880 earthquake.  On July 9, 2002, it was proclaimed as a diocesan shrine by Bishop Francisco O. San Diego of the Diocese of San Pablo. Two relics of St. Anthony of Padua are enshrined behind the tabernacle.  During healing masses, devotees flock to the shrine for a chance to touch the miraculous relics.

The church interior

The church’s Early Renaissance facade, divided into 3 segments by superimposed Doric columns, has a semicircular arched main entrance.  On the second level is a statued niche flanked by pedimented windows.  The pediment, with its balustraded raking cornice, has a statued niche framed by an arched order.  On its left is the 3-storey bell tower with pointed roof.

Diocesan Shrine of St. Anthony of Padua: San Antonio St., Brgy. Sta. Clara, Pila, Laguna.  Feast of St. Anthony of Padua: June 13