History of Igbaras Catholic Church

 Igbaras Catholic Church is considered to be a visita of Augustinian missionaries. It was in Tinogpahan, in the vicinity of Binanuan that the first “Iglesita” or chapel was founded by Rev. Fr. Juan de Medina. The old church was said to be built in 1784, and a convent followed in 1795 under Fr. Ignacio Marcos. Big floods washed away the structures, but the ruins are still visible up to these dates.

The history of the Church of Igbaras began in the early 1872 was constructed by Fr. Celestino Fernandez. In 1878, the edifice was completed and at the time it was one of the largest churches in Iloilo and the Philippines. In the succeeding years, another church was built at the site, and became a popular site for devotees. However, by 1948, the main church was in ruins. Most believe that the edifice was destroyed by an earthquake.

Others however, contend that the ruins of the Church of Igbaras was razed down by a large fire, while there are some of the opinion that the flood that damaged the town also affected the church and contributed to its destruction. Be that as it may, there is still something to be seen in the area today.

Heading to the site of the ruins of the Church of Igbaras, you will see a place filled with trees, and an elegant walkway, orange and green in color. As you go near you will see a grotto which has been dedicated to the Virgin Mary. There is also the one remaining wall of the church, which has now been turned into a chapel. The ornate stones around the area were taken from the original structure.

The followers of the Virgin Mary and pious Catholics have been drawn to the ruins of the Church of Igbaras by the grotto, while history buffs by the ruins itself. For the tourist, it presents an opportunity to see the devotion of the people as well as learn a bit of the history of the land as well.