Vintar Parish History

Patron: ST. NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINE
Founded in 1774

Vintar was a visita of Bacarra in 1600 under the administration of Fr. Lazaro Ordonez, and it was established as a parish in 1774 under the patronage of San Nicolas de Tolentino. The Church of Vintar is a construction of the late 18th century. Fr. Mariano Ortiz restored it in 1894, and Fr. Ricardo Alonso restored the convent in 1877. According to Llanes, the convent, one of the biggest in the province, had an inner patio. A part of the mission complex was patterned after those found in Mexico; it was more of a decorative garden.

During the earthquake of 1931 the church was partly destroyed, and its subsequent restoration in 1935 lost its antique nobility and dignity. The bell tower collapsed and was damaged almost beyond recognition or repair. During the earthquake of August 17, 1983, the façade and the wall of the sanctuary collapsed.

The townspeople of Vintar practice great devotion to San Nicolas. A religious tradition left by the Augustinians continues to be practiced in Vintar. The town has the largest land area in the province. Aside from its vastness, the geographical barriers brought about by rivers and mountains make it hard for evangelization to progress. However, the priests assigned in their parish find joy in going to as far as Isic-Isic. Their pastoral mission has been complemented by the apostolate of the Daughters of the Divine Zeal, who have been in the parish since 1968.

In 1989, a Parish Pastoral Assembly was held in Vintar. On December 11, 1991, Rev. Primo Cabanos was ordained priest. That same year the diocesan Christ the King celebration was held in the parish. Rev. James Bonoan celebrated also in Vintar his silver anniversary of ordination on December 20, 1994.

Since the foundation of Laoag as a diocese the following have served as pastors: Rev. Mariano Saraos (1957-June 1967); Rev. Bernardo Balderas (July 1967-December 1967); Rev. Jose Agustin (1967-1969); Rev. Andres Respicio (1969-1972); Rev. Onofre Aurelio (1972-1976); Rev. Antonio Molina (1976-1980); Rev. Godofredo Albano (October 1980–December 1980); Rev. Domingo Albano (1981-1983); Rev. Damaso Argel (1983-1986); Rev. Tito Bonoan (1986-1993); Rev. Victor Hernando (1993-1994); Rev. James Bonoan (1994-2001); Rev. Ramon Danilo R. Laeda (2001-2008); Rev. Hermogenes G. Saturnino, Jr. (present).