Situated in front of St Joseph Academy in Carmen, Province of Cebu, the St Augustine of Hippo Parish Church offers a much modernized design compared to other churches in Cebu. Built in 1971, the church stands as the main church of the Municipality of Carmen, which is a third income class municipality.
According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 44,648 and the land area is only 32.73 mi².
Interior of St Augustine Parish Church
Because we were able to experience the Holy Thursday mass in St Augustine of Hippo Parish Church in Carmen, all of its statues were covered with purple cloth, which is a Roman Catholic tradition to remember the sacrifices and salvation done by Jesus Christ. On Holy Thursday, attending the late afternoon or evening mass is very important. During this mass, the “washing of the feet” is done and there is also the “procession of the consecrated host from the altar to the repository” before the mass ends. Notably, the “sign of the cross” is discouraged, because of the tradition, and you can only make a sign of the cross at the repository during genuflecting.
It is during this mass when the traditional “Via Crusis” is encouraged. It is visiting seven churches and making a prayer to each of the church and thanking the almighty God for the blessings and the salvation he has given to mankind.
During our visit, there was an ongoing construction, renovation and painting works at the St Augustine Parish. The interior and the facade of the church will be colored white with gold accents.
St Augustine Parish Church is just a few meters from the Carmen Pier to the south and the Carmen Sports Complex to the north. It is about 45 kilometers from Metro Cebu and it will take you about 1.5 hours to reach the church.
At the St Augustine Adoration Chapel
During the Procession of the Consecrated Host
Outside the Main Entrance
St Augustine of Hippo Parish Church in Carmen
This page is last updated on
About the author
Mark Anthony Maranga is an Educator-Parent to his 3 Homeschooling Kids. He sells Ice Cream and Balloons in Mandaue City, Cebu. Exploring the Philippines tourist attractions together with his family is his passion; they are learning without borders.
