59. SACRED FRANCISCAN RELICS OF MAGALANG

Original Image of San Francisco
Padre Pio Chapel

When I launched this blog in November 5, 2016, the articles in this blog are merely focused on historical events, places and persons of Magalang. However, due to the objectives of this blog, it is not only the historical background of Magalang will feature and posted, it will also includes the rich culture and interesting spots located in this agricultural town. 

In Magalang, there are several religious spots that have been frequently visited by the pilgrims. During Holy Week, pilgrims who are seeking serenity, they are climbing the foothills of Mt. Arayat to pray and visit large life statues of stations of the cross of Banal a Bunduk, Dalan ning Krus located in Orchard Village in barrio Ayala. During Fridays, Magaleños and outsiders are flocking to a small chapel of miraculous San Agustin. San Bartolome Parish Church is frequently visited not only on being a heritage church, but also to the relic of town's patron saint. And lastly, the devotees also visiting the Malugud farm, located in barrio San Nicolas; where the replicas of Our Lady of Peñafrancia and Divino Rostro are enshrined. 

In barrio San Francisco, located also in Magalang, we are not aware, that are also several miraculous relics are enshrined on its barrio chapels. Due to the efforts of former parish priest, Rev. Fr. Jowel Jomarsus P. Gatus, several relics of famous Franciscan saints are enshrined on its barrio chapels, and the devotees are starting flocking on its chapels to offer prayers and seeking their intercession. These are the lists of church and chapels where the Franciscan relics are located: 

RELIC OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI
Lord's Epiphany Parish, Angeles-Magalang Road, San Francisco, Magalang, Pampanga

The relic of barrio's patron saint, San Francisco de Assisi was formally enshrined in September 25, 2016 by Archbishop Florentino G. Lavarias, D.D. The sacred relic is a first class relic, containing pieces of bone and staff of San Francisco de Assisi. The visitation of the relic is open every Tuesday. A holy mass is also held on the same day every 6pm. The veneration of the relic is held every Tuesdays, after 6pm mass, tridum masses and the feast day of the saint every October 4. 

RELIC OF ST CLAIRE OF ASSISI 
Sta Clara ning Assisi Chapel, Sitio Tambacan, San Francisco, Magalang, Pampanga


This second class relic of St. Claire of Assisi is containing a small fragment of her veil. St. Claire is well known companion of St. Francis of Assisi and foundress of religious order, the Poor Clares. Alongside with the relic of St. Padre Pio, it was formally enshrined in July 21, 2017. Visitation of the relic is open every Thursday; and its veneration is held during its feast day, on August 11. 

RELIC OF ST. PADRE PIO OF PIETRELCINA
St. Padre Pio Chapel, Sitio Mabato Bato, San Francisco, Magalang, Pampanga


The first class relic of St. Padre Pio, alongside with the relic of St. Claire of Assisi was installed in July 21, 2017. The relic of well known stigmatist saint is containing of his hair fragments. Visitation of the relic is open during Thursday, 8:00am to 7:00pm. A holy mass and veneration of the relic is held during 3rd Thursday of every month in 6pm,; and during its tridum masses and feast day in September 23. 

Photo Credits:

Altar of Sta Clara ning Assisi chapel; Lord's Epiphany Parish Facebook page.

Altar of St. Padre Pio chapel; provided by Mr. Jener C. Lacson