We visited the Three Kings Parish Church, also known as the Minor Basilica & National Shrine of La Virgen Divina Pastora, or simply Gapan Church, in December 2024, right before we went to Lumang Gapan. This is not our first time visiting the Three Kings Parish Church; in fact, Mommy Khris and I visited here in 2016, as part of our Visita Iglesia trip. I remember being amazed by the beauty of the church’s interior eight years ago, but I was still as awed during our most recent visit here.
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| The facade of the Three Kings Parish Church |
It was already late afternoon when we arrived at Three Kings Parish Church, but a Mass was about to start, probably because it was the Christmas season at that time, so there were more mass schedules than usual. I liked how unique the façade looked; while it was obvious that work had been done on the exteriors, it still retained that antique feel that made Spanish-era churches appealing. The entrance was not ornate or extravagant, but it was still undoubtedly stunning, especially the large, heavy wooden doors. The Three Kings Parish Church, after all, is not just one of the oldest churches in the province of Nueva Ecija but in the entire Philippines as well (built in the 1500s by the Augustinian friars).
I think the Three Kings Parish Church’s interiors are even grander. The ceiling was made of wood, the walls and pillars are made of bricks (I learned later on that these bricks are called laryo, which are locally sourced), and, if you look at the dome, you will notice a painting of the Holy Trinity, painted by Isidro Samonte, a Novo Ecijano artist, in the 1900s.
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| The altar |
I like the general serenity and quietude of the church, even though music was playing and the choir was softly singing a song. An announcer was reminding churchgoers to keep conversations at a hush, not to loiter inside the church, and to dress modestly. So that would give an idea to churchgoers on what to expect (or what was expected of them) in terms of conduct. Just the same, it felt like home for me, possibly because I was in my home province, and I could sense the general vibe and devotion of my “kababayans.” The church is also central to the Marian devotion of Novo Ecijanos as the Divina Pastora image is enshrined in the church.
However, when the Mass was about to start, we had to leave because Miguel was already getting bored and a little restless.
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| View from the entrance |
All in all, it was an uplifting experience for us. I was thankful for the opportunity to bring my little family to the Three Kings Parish Church, and, for me, a chance to reconnect with some of the heritage treasures of my province.
What other unique features can you look for when you visit the Three Kings Parish Church?
- If you have the chance, you may want to visit the belfry, a five-story structure that houses four centuries-old bells.
- The Adoration of the Magi is also enshrined in the church, since it is dedicated to the Three Kings.
The Three Kings Parish Church is included in the eBook I'm selling: Churches of Nueva Ecija (Cabiao, San Isidro, Gapan, and San Antonio) eBook.
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