Pedaling Through PD4 Sacred Landmarks with ‘Bisikleta Iglesia’
By Christian Ramoso
In Pangasinan, reflection takes on deeper meaning. It is home to many of the country’s most meaningful churches, making it the perfect place to pause, pray and reconnect year after year. But what if you could experience it with a twist?
This twist comes in the form of ‘Bisikleta Iglesia’, a unique way to take part in the traditional Visita Iglesia. Instead of traveling by foot or car, Catholic believers are encouraged to ride bicycles to visit at least seven churches within Pangasinan District 4, offering a fresh and adventurous way to reflect and connect with the spirit of the season.
The chosen churches include St. Michael the Archangel Parish Church and the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Dagupan City, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church in Mangaldan, St. Hyacinth Church in San Jacinto, the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag in Manaoag, the Carmelite Monastery of St. Joseph in Palapad, San Fabian, and St. Jude Chapel in Inmalog, San Fabian.
A Closer Look at Pangasinan District 4 Churches
Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist
The Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist serves as the Episcopal Seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan. Originally founded in the late 1590s, it was first led by the Augustinians with Father Kuis Huete as its first parish priest. The church was burned down in the 1660s by native revolutionary Andres Malong, and later rebuilt in 1816 by Rev. Pedro de Rama. After several renovations due to natural disasters and the 1898 Philippine Revolution, the present Cathedral’s cornerstones were laid in 1964, with its inauguration in 1974. It was further renovated after the 1990 Earthquake and officially relocated in December 2010. Today, it is led by Metropolitan Archbishop Socrates B. Villegas, DD.
St. Michael the Archangel Parish
St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Barangay Caranglaan, Dagupan City, is a vital spiritual hub for the local Catholic community. Established in 2016, it is dedicated to St. Michael and is part of the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan. The church offers regular masses, community events, and celebrates the feast day of St. Michael every September 29, serving as a place for reflection and worship.
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Parish
The Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Parish in Barangay David, Mangaldan, Pangasinan, was established in 2011 under the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan and is entrusted to the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentian Fathers). This church is dedicated to the Miraculous Medal and serves as a spiritual center for the local community. Its modern design, combined with traditional elements, creates a peaceful atmosphere for worship and reflection. The parish celebrates its fiesta on November 27, the feast day of the Miraculous Medal.
St. Hyacinth Parish Church
The St. Hyacinth Parish Church in San Jacinto, Pangasinan, is one of the province's oldest and most revered Catholic landmarks. Established in 1590 by the Dominican Order, it served as a mission center for the Ilocano community. The church has endured numerous challenges, including fires in 1719 and earthquakes in 1848 and 1872, leading to several reconstructions over the centuries. Dedicated to St. Hyacinth of Poland, a 12th-century Dominican priest known for his missionary work, the church celebrates its patron saint's feast day on August 17 each year. The parish continues to be a spiritual hub for the residents of San Jacinto and neighboring towns like Manaoag and Mangaldan, especially during the Visita Iglesia tradition.
Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag
The Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag, also known as Manaoag Church, is a significant Catholic site in Pangasinan, established in 1600 by the Augustinian missionaries and later administered by the Dominicans. The church houses a revered 17th-century image of the Blessed Virgin Mary with Child Jesus, brought from Spain via the Manila galleon trade. Over the years, the church has been rebuilt due to natural calamities and wars, with the image being canonically crowned in 1926. In 2014, it was declared a Minor Basilica by Pope Francis. Today, Manaoag Church is a popular pilgrimage destination, drawing thousands of devotees who seek spiritual guidance and healing.
Carmelite Monastery of St. Joseph
The Carmelite Monastery of St. Joseph is a contemplative community of Carmelite nuns located in Brgy. Palapad, San Fabian, Pangasinan. Established to provide a dedicated space for prayer and spiritual reflection, the monastery offers a serene environment atop a hill, inviting visitors to experience peace and devotion. The community is part of the Carmelite Order, known for its rich tradition of contemplation and service.
St. Jude Chapel
St. Jude Chapel in Barangay Inmalog Sur, San Fabian, Pangasinan serves as a meaningful place of worship for the local community. Dedicated to St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of desperate and impossible causes, the chapel holds deep significance for devotees seeking guidance, healing, and strength. It provides a spiritual sanctuary for families and individuals in the Inmalog Sur area.
Catholic believers set out on a meaningful journey, following a map that led them to various churches across Pangasinan. With bikes in tow, they stopped at each church, capturing creative photos in front of them and collecting color-coded stickers as proof of their visits.
The event culminated at Bikers' Den in San Fabian, a placemaking initiative by Congressman Toff De Venecia, which has become a popular pitstop for cyclists. It has also boosted local businesses and revitalized community pride throughout San Fabian. The first 300 cyclists to reach the endpoint were awarded a limited edition 'Bisikleta Iglesia' shirt, designed by Pangasinan artist Kurt de Leon.
The idea behind this event came from Congressman Toff’s deepening passion for cycling during the COVID-19 pandemic. What started as a simple hobby to pass the time quickly turned into a passion. As a devoted Catholic, he decided to merge his love for biking with his faith. In 2021, ‘Bisikleta Iglesia’ was born. Today, in partnership with the Department of Tourism, the municipalities of Manaoag, San Jacinto, and San Fabian, Biker’s Den San Fabian, Metro Dagupan Cycling Club Inc., and the Pangasinan 4th District Cycling Club, the event continues to thrive, blending faith, fitness, and community in a meaningful way for all who join.
‘Bisikleta Iglesia’ has evolved into more than just a spiritual activity; it has become a vibrant community event that unites faith-driven cyclists, families, and local supporters. This unique experience blends devotion, physical activity, and local tourism, offering a refreshing way to commemorate Holy Week.
As cyclists travel along the route, they not only reflect on their faith but also immerse themselves in the scenic beauty and cultural richness of Pangasinan’s churches and towns. For many participants, the journey is just as meaningful as the destination, with each stop offering a moment to connect with both their spirituality and the local community.
One of the standout ways Congressman Toff aims to boost tourism is by championing creative and community-driven programs. Among these is the refreshing ‘Bisikleta Iglesia’, a new take on faith tourism that combines cultural appreciation, spiritual reflection, and a healthy ride through local heritage sites.