Inay Candi (Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria) of Paracale, Camarines Norte

Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria is popularly known as the Our Lady of Candelaria Church. it is now 408 years old as of this year 2019 and established in the year 1611. The oldest and one of the first church within the Province of Paracale, Camarines Norte. It was built by the Franciscan Friars who arrived in Paracale 30 years earlier, in 1581. Consequently, Paracale was established as a town in the same year that this church was built.

Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria - Paracale, Camarines Norte

The Virgin Mary of Candelaria is known as a patroness of the whole Bicol Region. She is worshipped as a miraculous healer. Natives of Paracale come to her care when asking to be healed from certain illnesses. The church features the miraculous image of Our Lady of Candelaria, it is noticeably seen right away in front of the church designated in the middle of the entrance of the church.

Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria - Paracale, Camarines Norte

Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria - Paracale, Camarines Norte

Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria - Paracale, Camarines Norte

Sir Mark Adano Zamudio, Paracale's Tourism Officer who has been so welcoming and accommodating told us that Paracale is said to be a town of gold with the town name derived from para cale meaning canal digger. 

Paracale, Camarines Norte

Mr. Mark Adano Zamudio, Paracale's Tourism Officer of Paracale, Camarines Norte

Paracale, Camarines Norte

During our visit to the church it is under renovation we weren't been able to fully roam around inside the church but was given a chance to go inside and see the altar itself as well as pray for a moment. 

Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria - Paracale, Camarines Norte

Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria - Paracale, Camarines Norte

Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria - Paracale, Camarines Norte

Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria - Paracale, Camarines Norte

Nuestra Senora de Candelaria is covered and dressed in gold embellishments, pure gold. From its rosary, sword, ornaments, even the crown is made of gold. However, the golds are kept in the bank it is not being worn by the patronage for security purpose.

Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria - Paracale, Camarines Norte

Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria - Paracale, Camarines Norte

The church structure is made of crushed shells of eggs but due to its oldness or being ancestral now it has holes that need to be filled. If you get to come closer to the wall of the church you will notice that it was built with a huge block of egg shells. As much as possible they wanted to maintain and retain the original structure of the church.

Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria - Paracale, Camarines Norte

Upon visiting Paracale, being a usual stopover for those who will travel to Calaguas Group Islands, it's a must to pass by to the church and pray for guidance for a safe journey.

Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria - Paracale, Camarines Norte

Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria - Paracale, Camarines Norte

Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria - Paracale, Camarines Norte

The Philippines proudly boasts to be the only Christian nation in Asia. It only proves that we Filipinos are naturally religious by nature.

Nuestra Senora De Candelaria, Paracale Camarines Norte.

Thank You to Mike Zuniga of  Katooga for having me witnessed this ancestral church. A Must Visit one!