siquijor | Santa Maria ChurchMaria, Siquijor
March 2, 2015 |
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After Salagdoong Beach, we headed for Santa Maria Church in the town of Maria. The church is famous for its miraculous St. Rita of Cascia or more popularly known as Santa Rita de Siquijor to Siquijodnons. 
Santa Rita de Siquijor is known to be the patron of hardships, especially of women: battered wives, widows, hopeless cases, difficult marriages, domestic problems, and sickness. Her husband died after 18 years of marriage, which was followed suit by her 2 children within the same year. She became a nun afterwards and miraculously manifested Christ's wound on her forehead. Locals also believe that the effigy of Santa Rita leaves the church to roam the island after sundown and returns before sunrise, evidenced by mud and grass in her feet. 
Resembling other colonial era Catholic churches in the country, Santa Maria Church has a massive door embellished with the figures of Jesus and Mary, and the ten commandments.
The interior of the church is very simple -- no grandiose pulpits, no intricate carvings, no colorful stained glasses. But what it lacks in interior decorations, it makes up for in its magnificent retablo. 
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How to Get to Santa Maria Church: Maria is located at the south eastern side of Siquijor. There are several multicabs and jeepneys traversing the national highway coming from San Juan. Ask the driver to drop you off in Maria and the church should be at a walking distance within the town proper. If you are on a generous budget, I suggest to hire a tricycle or habal-habal tour guide. Their rate is around P1,000 for the entire Siquijor island which will take almost the entire day. |
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