Parish Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva of Danao

Official Name: Parish Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva of Danao[1]

Classification Status: Classified Historic Structures (covering all Colonial Churches and other Houses of Worship, per NHCP Res. No. 3, s. 1991)[1]

Town or City: Danao City

Description:
Historical records conflict regarding the Danao parish's establishment, with dates ranging from 1621 to 1671. What is certain is that it was dedicated to St. Thomas of Villanova.

The Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Church, or Danao Church, was built in 1755. Its coral stone facade, occasionally repainted white, features six white-painted angels. A four-level octagonal belfry on the right houses bells named after saints: San Alipio, Villanueva, and Sagrado Corazón.

Inside, wooden balustrades contrast white walls, with a golden retablo and saints' images as focal points. Despite damage from natural disasters and war, intricately carved wooden pews survive.

Renovations from 1981 to 1985 saw Masses held in the rear multi-purpose building. Architect Roll Durano expanded and fortified the church's structure.

On December 23, 1985, Archbishop Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal blessed the renovated church and its Marble Altar of Sacrifice.

Danawanons celebrate their patron saint, Sto. Tomas de Villanueva, every Monday after the 3rd Sunday of September, despite the official feast day being on September 22nd.[2]

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Source:
1. https://ncca.gov.ph/philippine-registry-cultural-property-precup/
2. https://philippinefaithandheritagetours.com/sto-tomas-de-villanueva-parish-danao-city/