Banna Parish History

ST. ROCHE PARISH
Founded: 1936
Patronal Fiesta: August 16


Motorists going to this parish for the first time must be careful in reading the road signs and markers, they may not find the name of the place they have in mind. The town and parish is more popularly known as Banna but was changed to “Espiritu”, after a former governor of Ilocos Norte and native of the place, through a congressional act. The sentiments of the people are common in retaining its old name even without a repeal to the former legislation.

As a town, it was part of Batac, which is adjacent to its west boundary. As a parish, it was formerly a visita of Dingras, and a Catholic chapel was erected in this town in 1935 through the initiative of Rev. Fortuna, pastor of Dingras. It was canonically erected in April 1936 with the Rev. Pomposo Pimentel as its first pastor.

During the term of Rev. Policarpo Albano, the old church was replaced with a new one, modern in style and more spacious. This is to accommodate the ever-growing faithful of the town. The priests assigned after him continued the construction of the new church, which is exquisitely unique creating a different feeling of awe for worshipers accustomed to the structure of traditional churches.

At the height of the Aglipayan Schism in 1902, about 97 percent of Ilocos Norte were enticed to join the religious sect. The return of the faithful to the Catholic fold began its gradual phases with the landmark Supreme Court decision of 1905 returning properties of the Catholic Church taken over by the Aglipayans. Since that time, Banna still remains a predominantly Aglipayan town. This challenge was the constant struggle of priests assigned in the parish under the tutelage of the miraculous San Roque. The presence of the Pastorelle Sisters (Sisters of Jesus Good Shepherd, Pastorelle) collaborating in the pastoral work, gave new hope for Catholicism in the town. For the first time, school children in remote areas saw women in religious habits. The parish is the ideal site of a mission area conceived by their Father Founder. Despite meager means, the sacrificing sisters throughout the years are determined to realize their mission. The parish will remain a part of the continuous unfolding of the history of this Italian-born religious congregation.

Since the foundation of Laoag as a diocese, the following have served as pastors: Rev.Damaso Argel (1957-1963); Rev.Andres Respicio(1963-1969); Rev. Saturnino Rafada (1969-1971) Rev. Antonio Molina (1971-1973); Rev. Jose Agustin (1973-1977); Rev. Mario Garaza (1977-1980); Rev. Policarpio Albano (1980-1985); Rev. Emil Valenciano (1985-1986); Rev. Victor Hernando ( 1986-1993); Rev. Manuel Lamprea, Jr. (1993-2001); Rev. Augusto Acob (2001-2004); Rev. Joel Bruno Barut (2004-2008); Rev. Frederick Astudillo (2008 to present).