The Sanctuary of Sto. Cristo Milagroso in Sinait, Ilocos Sur, Philippines

Also known as the Church of St. Nicholas de Tolentino, it is located at the most Northern town of our Province in Ilocos Sur, a 36 kilometers away from Vigan. 

Research have shown that it was built by the Spanish Missionaries in 1590. Pilgrims flock to this church for its' Black Nazarene, the crucified Jesus in the altar, considered to be miraculous by the local population and the nearby towns.

There is a legend on how the Black Nazarene was found in the sea, together with another image that was brought to another parish, in another province further north of the Ilocos region. Accordingly, the fishermen who found them were only able to carry one image, specifically, the Black Nazarene only by those from Sinait and vice versa.

The unused pulpit.

In preparation for the town's next fiesta, it's parish priest commissioned my brother and his wife to add fixtures to the church' altar. So checking the place out, I decided to join them for a town day-out.

Original paintings

These are original paintings along its' walls. No one knows if they were brought by the missionaries or were done by the missionaries themselves or locally. 

Almost all churches in the province have these as it is the custom to do the Station of the Cross inside during Easter.

Images used on processions

Images found in one of the rooms at the back of the church.

I couldn't understand the technicalities of the work involve so I ventured out all over the church exploring as there were so many archways leading to both sides of the church till the back. 

Outside walls

The walls look very old and untouched, although stones are noticeable instead of bricks. 

Note: For pilgrims who wish to access the Black Nazarene, an archway to the right side of the church leads to a pathway going to the back of the altar. It is enclosed with glass but there's an opening to access the lower part of the crucifix.

https://blauearth.com/2013/07/08/sunday-best-el-sto-cristo-milagroso-de-sinait-and-sinanglao-lunch/

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinait

All images are mine and are original, taken with my Samsung Galaxy S7.

Badge courtesy of @elyaque