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BAGUIO, Philippines – Pope Francis has declared 2025 as the Jubilee Year in the Catholic Church, with the theme: “Pilgrims of Hope.” Across the Philippines, churches have been identified as pilgrim churches for the faithful to visit.
Among them are seven churches in the Diocese of Baguio, all designated as Jubilee churches. These churches are not merely places of worship but markers of history and cultural identity. From the iconic Baguio Cathedral that withstood World War II bombings to the eco-trails of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Itogon, each site offers pilgrims a blend of spirituality and discovery.
For the faithful and curious alike, these sacred spaces serve as touchstones for reflection, offering a window into the enduring legacy of faith in the highlands. Whether strolling the busy streets of Baguio or traversing the winding roads of Benguet, visitors are invited to embark on a journey that intertwines devotion with the vibrant history of the Cordillera region.
The Jubilee Year provides an opportunity not only to reconnect with faith but also to experience the cultural and historical essence of these unique churches. From urban sanctuaries to countryside retreats, each visit promises moments of quiet introspection and communal connection — an invitation to rediscover hope in the journey.
Why not turn your next long weekend trip into a pilgrimage to visit them?
BAGUIO CATHEDRAL. The Our Lady of the Atonement Cathedral in Baguio City towers over the city center. – All photos by Mari-An C. Santos/RapplerBaguio Cathedral of Our Lady of the Atonement
Father Carlu Loop, Baguio City
Feast: July 9
The Baguio Cathedral is dedicated to Our Lady of the Atonement, a devotion promoted by the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement of Graymoor, New York, United States. This order played a prominent role in securing funding for the cathedral’s completion under the leadership of Father Florimond Carlu, one of the first Congregatio Immaculati Cordis Mariae (CICM) missionaries who arrived in the Philippines in 1907.
The cathedral survived the carpet bombing of Baguio in 1945, and the remains of victims are buried within the cathedral complex.
Getting there: Many jeepneys pass by or near Session Road. You can choose to climb the steps from Session Road to the cathedral or take the gentler route near the post office.
Saint Vincent Ferrer Parish
Naguilian Road, Campo Filipino, Baguio City
Feast: April 5
Dedicated to Saint Vincent Ferrer on September 22, 1945, this church features a second level that offers a good view of the altar. Its dark-wood structure reflects the typical architecture of early churches in the diocese. Situated on a hill, the church stands beside Saint Vincent Gym.
Getting there: Take a jeepney from the city center passing along Naguilian Road. The journey will take 5 to 10 minutes.
SAINT VINCENT. Saint Vincent Ferrer Parish in Naguilian was dedicated in 1945. San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish
Loakan, Baguio City
Feast: September 29
A wooden chapel was built on this site in the 1950s, which was later designated as the Shrine of San Lorenzo Ruiz in 1985. The church is conveniently located across from the airport entrance.
Getting there: From the Baguio City center, take a jeepney bound for Loakan. The trip takes about 15 minutes.
PRAY. Devotees pray inside the San Jose, Husband of Mary Parish Church. San Jose, Husband of Mary Parish
Buyagan, Poblacion, La Trinidad, Benguet
Feast: March 19
The Spanish colonizers established the San Jose Mission in 1891, but it was abandoned in 1899 following the Philippine Revolution. Belgian missionaries reopened the wooden church in 1908. The current, larger church was dedicated in 2019 and houses an image of Our Lady of Covadonga, a devotion originating from Asturias, Spain.
Getting there: From Baguio, take a jeepney bound for La Trinidad that passes through Buyagan. It is located near the Benguet Provincial Capitol. Allow for over 30 minutes of travel time.
SAN JOSE. The San Jose, Husband of Mary Parish, was first established as a Catholic mission by the Spanish in 1891. Our Lady of Fatima Parish
Tuding, Itogon, Benguet
Feast: October 13
Established in 1953, this A-frame church features spacious grounds leading to an eco-trail with Stations of the Cross on what is now known as Fatima Hill.
Getting there: Take a jeepney bound for Tuding from the city center, and you’ll arrive in about 20 minutes.
FATIMA. The A-frame Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Tuding, Itogon, Benguet. Immaculate Conception Parish
Acop, Caponga, Tublay, Benguet
Feast: December 8
The first chapel in Tublay was built on this site in 1920 on land donated by the Acop clan. The Tublay Mission was established in 1993, later giving rise to two additional parishes in Tomay and Daclan.
Getting there: Take a jeepney bound for Acop/Shilan from Magsaysay Avenue (near the public market and Centermall). The journey takes approximately 30 minutes, traffic permitting.
San Isidro Labrador Parish
Abatan, Buguias, Benguet
Feast: May 15
In 1961, Father Jose Waterschoot, CICM, led efforts to establish a Catholic mission in Abatan, which also housed San Isidro High School in the same building.
Getting there: From Baguio, take a van or bus, or a jeepney from La Trinidad along Halsema Highway. Travel time is approximately three hours.
More than destinations, these churches are chapters in a living story of faith. Whether you’re on a spiritual quest or simply seeking to deepen your appreciation for history and community, this pilgrimage offers a unique blend of reflection and discovery. – Rappler.com
