About Us
Immaculate ConceptionParish Church
Catanauan, Quezon
One of the most enduring Catholic landmarks in southern Quezon province, our parish has served the spiritual needs of Catanauan’s faithful for over 171 years — a living testament to a community’s unbroken devotion.
Our Background
A Historic Parish Rooted in Faith
Established Parish
The Immaculate Conception Parish Church in Catanauan, Quezon stands as one of the most enduring Catholic landmarks in southern Quezon province. Established as a full parish in 1855, it has served the spiritual needs of the community for over 171 years under the Diocese of Gumaca.
Location & Reach
Located in Barangay 5 Poblacion, the parish serves all 46 barangays of Catanauan municipality, making it the central spiritual hub for the town’s Catholic faithful.
Our Story
Parish History
From generation to generation, the faith of our forebears has been passed down through the walls of this sacred house.
— Parish Tradition, Diocese of Gumaca
Pre-1813
Image Discovery
A humble fisherman discovered the wooden image of La Inmaculada Concepción de Catanauan half-buried in the muddy shore. That same night, the Virgin Mary appeared to him in a dream, requesting a chapel be built in her honor. This divine encounter sparked the devotion that defines our parish today.
1813
1813
Church Dedication & Early Growth
Responding to the growing faithful, the small chapel was renovated and strengthened into a proper church, formally dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. By 1855, it achieved full parish status, becoming the spiritual heart of Catanauan and anchor of Catholic life in southern Quezon.
1983
Diocese of Gumaca Established
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Gumaca was erected, placing our parish under Bishop Roy Rudolfo Cimatu's jurisdiction. This strengthened our connection to the broader Church while preserving our unique Marian traditions rooted in the miraculous image.
~2000
Earthquake Restoration
A devastating earthquake damaged our beloved church, but under Fr. Gumersindo Hernandez, OP's leadership, the community rallied to restore her beauty. The renovated structure now beautifully preserves our 19th-century colonial architecture for future generations.
Today
Living Faith in the Digital Age
Our parish thrives with daily Holy Masses, livestreamed on Facebook, vibrant feast celebrations on December 8, and sacraments that nourish thousands. The miraculous Virgin continues to draw pilgrims, proving her enduring protection over Catanauan.
The Patron Saint
Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
Life, Devotion & History of Our Patron
What Is the Immaculate Conception?
The Catholic belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was conceived without sin — proclaimed by Pope Pius IX in 1854, one year before our parish was established.
The belief teaches that Mary was preserved from all stain of sin from the first moment of her conception, by the grace of God and in anticipation of Jesus' redemption. This makes her the perfect vessel to bear the Son of God.
Our parish's dedication to the Immaculate Conception is profoundly timely — established just one year after the doctrine was officially proclaimed, cementing our community's Marian identity from its very founding.
La Inmaculada Concepción de Catanauan
A unique, brown-skinned wooden statue of the Virgin Mary, carved in the de tallado (folk Filipino) style, likely from the 17th–18th century.
Distinctive Features
Devotees dress the statue in real clothing, often donated by parishioners over centuries. She is treated with deep personal reverence, as if she were a living member of the community.
Why Is This Image Miraculous?
Devotees have reported numerous miracles attributed to La Inmaculada Concepción de Catanauan over centuries. The wooden statue has survived over 300 years, multiple earthquakes, and colonial wars, remaining intact and vibrant despite its age.
During the Spanish colonial era, Moro pirates and raiders frequently targeted coastal towns in Quezon. The image is credited with miraculously protecting Catanauan from destruction, as raiders reportedly abandoned their plans before attacking the town.
The Virgin has been invoked during storms, floods, and earthquakes, with devotees reporting safe passage and minimal damage when prayers were offered before the image.
Many faithful claim physical and emotional healings after praying before the statue, including recovery from illnesses, resolution of family conflicts, and finding peace in difficult times.
The wooden statue has survived over 300 years, multiple earthquakes, and colonial wars, remaining intact and vibrant despite its age — a miracle in itself.
Devotion Through the Ages
The image's devotion has been passed down through generations. Each year, December 8 (Feast of the Immaculate Conception) draws thousands of pilgrims from across Quezon and neighboring provinces.
Feast Day Celebrations
19th-Century Spanish Colonial Baroque
The church building showcases classic Philippine colonial Baroque architecture, designed to withstand earthquakes and tropical weather — a necessity in the Philippines' active seismic zone.
Parish Leadership
Rev. Fr. Richard T. Eleazar leads the parish community with warmth, accessibility, and active digital engagement. He presides over 11 weekly Masses, conducts sacraments, and livestreams major liturgical events on Facebook. He is known for his pastoral care, confession availability, and youth ministry support.
Past Parish Priests
Come to me, all who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28