Basilica Minor of Our Lady of Charity and Plaza Dela Virgen

Whenever I visit a new town, I also try to stop by Churches.  They say if its your first time to visit a church, you can make a wish.  But, that's not my reason.  I just want to appreciate the structure.  Upon reaching the Agoo,the oldest town in La Union, we instantly caught sight of the Basilica Minor of Our Lady of Charity.

The Basilica Minor of Our Lady of Charity is elevated as a basilica minore by Pope John Paul II in 1982.  It is the basilica minore in the north.  The Basilica Minor of Our Lady of Charity holds masses in Ilocano and English.  And, they have masses everyday from Monday to Sunday.  It also has novenas for the Mother of Perpetual Help and Our lady of Charity.

It's majestic and stable foundation is a masterpiece.  Unlike other churches, this has two bell towers instead of one.  

As we entered, we were awed by the beautiful chandelier, wooden planchment and colorful window panes. There were a lot of people praying so we tried to roam around as quietly as we could.  The whole church was in deafening silence that a slight sound will gain attention.  

The altar has an exquisite dome above it.  It also has a few window panes that allow sunshine and colorful lights to seep in.  The figure of Our Lady of Charity has a grand baldachin.  

Like any other churches, there are displays of saints and donation boxes to help maintain the church.  The church may be old but it looks like it is kept in its best condition.

There were also frames of glass arts hanged on its walls. 

Our Lady of Charity Icon

Just a street apart from the Basilica Minor of Our Lady of Charity is the Plaza Dela Virgen.  The plaza only has two monuments and nothing else so they were quite noticeably from afar.  The first one we encountered is the Our Lady of Charity Icon which is made of brass.

At the back part is the statue of Jesus Christ on the Cross.  As we were roaming around, we wondered why the venue is empty.  It is as if they have it only to be observed or respected.  We then assumed, it is because of the hot day that no one would dare roam around under the sun especially in an open space without a shade like this.

Overall, we Travel Tripsters seethe Basilica Minor of Our Lady of Charity as one of the Agoo's centerpiece and is a must visit when in the area especially since it is the only basilica minor in the north.  You can also learn about a town's history and culture by its church.  It gave us an impression that Agoo is a religious and peaceful town.  The church is fronting the town plaza and the town municipal hall so it is easy to spot.  It is also located along Mac Arthur Highway so most public transport passes through it.

Basilica Minor of Our Lady of Charity  and Plaza Dela Virgen		Basilica Minor of Our Lady of Charity   Map
Price Per Person	FREE
Payment Options
Mass Hours	Monday-Saturday: 5:15 pm Sunday: 5:30 am - Ilocano 7:00 am - English 8:30 am - Ilocano 10:00 am - English 4:30 am - English
Reservation Required
Contact
Other
Address
Mac Arthur Highway Cor. Grotto Road,  Agoo, La Union, Philippines
Transportation to Attraction
Tricycle, Jeepney, Buses
Commute Guide