Located in the town of Paete in Laguna, a town known for its people's talent in carving, the church's facade will welcome you with its intricate desgin carved by the town's locals.
The church was built on 1846 after Fr. Juan de Palesencia established a friary in 1580. However on 1880, the church that was built by Rev. Francisco de la Fuente in 1717 which was known to be much stronger was destroyed by an earthquake on 1880. Church reconstruction was led by Rev. Pedro Galiano where it was filled with Centuries old paintings and wooden images. Then again, on 1937 the church was again destroyed by an earthquake but was rebuilt from then on.
A special point of interest in this church are the San Cristobal paintings of Jose Luciano Dans. There are actually two paintings. The first one that Dans did was a San Cristobal with distinctively Filipino features. However the parish priest was not happy with what have Dans done. He then Instructed Dans to paint another one on wood and was placed on top of the first. All those times the people of Paete knew that there was only one painting until recently when they tried clean the second version's back was when the discovery made.
Artists' Haven
True to its reputation the church houses images of saints made by locals where you can see the exquisiteness of their works.
Santo Entiero
The images are truly works of art. Some of them even has mechanisms that would make the its body parts move. One of the images can even have its eyes suddenly close to dramatize Christ's death on the cross, Joel Aldor of Illuminati Tours tells us
Mater Dolorosa
You can even see lots of craft shops lined along a promenade leading to the church displaying both religious and functional items for homes.
Pieta
Throughout the years, the church and the community has grown together in harmony making each other a part of daily living.
