The Parish in Poblacion, Daanbantayan was erected as a parish, under the patronage of Santa Rosa de Santa Maria, by Diocesan decree on August 10, 1858, through Superior Approval on April 25, 1855. Its mother parish was San Pedro y San Pablo Parish in Bantayan. Thus, in the Archdiocese of Cebu, this is the oldest parish that has St. Rose of Lima as its patroness. (Another parish in the said Archdio
cese is dedicated to St. Rose of Lima is located in Alcoy; however, it was dedicated much later than the one in Daanbantayan since its date of dedication took place on September 15, 1890.) From that year onwards, this parish has been active. The book “Reseñas Historicas de las Dioceses de Cebu” mentions a certain Fr. Juan Protasio Gallares as the priest in charge of the said parish. But the deeply-loved parish priest back then was Fr. Feliciano Torres. He is credited with the construction of the present stone church of Daanbantayan. The Church interiors were renovated in 1969 during the term of Fr. Norberto Llanos. The devotion to St. Rose of Lima spread since it became a parish. Now, it is said that people as far as the respective provinces of Masbate and Leyte flock to this parish to honor the said saint and to beg for her intercession for their petitions. In 2019, the parish had its second patron, St. Martin de Porres -the confidant of St. Rose of Lima, through the initiative of its current parish priest, Fr. Reymilo Talaugon. St. Rose of Lima has become the mother parish of 5 parishes: St Ignatius of Loyola in Kawit, Medellin (founded in 1962); San Isidro Labrador Parish in Maya, Daanbantayan (founded in 1962); St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Tapilon, Daanbantayan (founded in 1993); Our Lady of Assumption Parish in Tindog, Medellin (founded in 1995); and Our Lady of Visitation Parish in Bagay, Daanbantayan (founded in 1997). STRUCTURE OF THE CHURCH
The Current Façade is massively Baroque, despite the absence of many embellishments. Its façade, which bends sharply at the sides forming three segments, is unique among the colonial churches in Cebu. It is divided into three levels including a sharp pediment that rises from an intervening layer or entablature. All levels can be discerned due to horizontal cornices. The central segment of this three-sided façade is marked by an arched opening or Puerta mayor leading to the church interior, flanked by pairs of shallow pilasters. A cartouche announcing the construction of the church is to be found above the main door. At the façade's second level is a circular stained-glass window with a Dove Depicting the Holy Spirit, with festoons and a rosette above it. Each of the two outer segments of the façade has a niche; the statue of St. Peter the Apostle adorns the gospel side, while that of St. Isidore the Farmer is at the epistle side. At the second level are two-segmented false windows, one on each side. Four finials were used to adorn the top of the second level at these lateral sections, three are left while the one probably removed when this near the cement part of the belfry section was added. Attached to the façade is a four-bodied hexagonal belfry, the first two bodies or cuerpos of which are made of coral stone, while the rest are of cement. The church reigns supreme over a wide expanse of ground across the church. CHURCH INTERIOR
The interior of the church still retains the moldy character of wet stones. Indeed, its coral stone walls need immediate conservation as so. much moisture has weakened its fabric. One is greeted by the sight of the darkened stone walls upon turning in from the national highway towards the church grounds. The church interiors were renovated in 1969 during the term of Fr. ST. ROSE OF LIMA PARISH STRUCTURE AS RECORDED BY FR. FELIPE REDONDO
(Breve Reseña: Diocesis de Cebu en las Islas Filipinas, 1886): The walls were made with socle walling and Tabique Pampango and of timber, roofed with cogon. The floors are made of wood. It is about 50 yards in length, 15 in width, and 6 in height.
