San Pablo Parish History

San Pablo Becomes a Parish

• San Pablo established as a parish in 1586 by the Augustinians.
• A parish is an administrative district with a church and a resident priest.
• The parish priest was called "Fray."
• The mission site was chosen in Sampalok, a trading center.
• It was named "San Pablo de los Montes"
• It was chosen because of the location's isolation.
• The name was inspired by St. Paul, a hermit saint who lived in the desert.

The Fiesta Method of Conversion

• Fray Mendoza used festivals ("fiestas") to attract natives to the church.
• He saw a connection to medieval European trading fairs.
• Festivals/celebrations attracted residents to a central location.

The First Augustinian Church

• The first church was a wooden structure built over 2 years.
• Three statues were added to the church's altar: Jesus, Mary, and St Paul.
• The statues symbolized the Christian religion.
• Indigenous traditions were used in the church's development.
• There were initial problems in funding the church.

The Barrio as a Spanish Colony

• Fray Mendoza encouraged the natives to adopt Spanish customs.
• The Barrio (local community) was integrated into a colonial system.
• Mendoza recognized leadership roles and assigned titles like "Cabeza." (Head)
• The land distribution policy was introduced.
• The leaders (Cabeza) were encouraged to become the tax collectors.
• Tribute was a common practice.
• Land was granted to those who cultivated it within a year.

Emancipation of Slaves

• Slavery still existed in 16th-century Asia but the Philippines abolished slavery due to missionary influence.
• Slaves were released from debt peonage to enable them to work and pay off debts with the new land policy.
• Land was granted to the slaves.

Fund Raising for the Church

• Initial funding was insufficient.
• Alternative methods like indulgences, masses, baptisms and burial fees were collected.

This quiz explores the establishment of San Pablo as a parish in 1586 by the Augustinians and the significance of festivals in converting the local population. Learn about the architecture of the first church and the incorporation of indigenous traditions in its development. Test your knowledge on the historical and cultural aspects of San Pablo's religious journey.