Samal Church

Saint Catherine of Siena Parish Church, commonly known as Samal Church, is a Roman Catholic church located in Samal, Bataan, Philippines. The church is dedicated to the Italian saint Catherine of Siena. The Dominicans constructed the first church in 1596. It is under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Balanga.
Vicariate of St. Dominic de Guzman. From June 5, 2023 to December 26, 2025, Fr. Josue V. Enero was assigned as Rector and Parish Priest of the church until his death. Due to his death, Rufino Sescon, Bishop of Balanga, appointed Alwin B. Bobis as parish administrator on January 19, 2026.

History

The Dominicans in 1596 directed the spirituality of Samal. Attacked by Dutch invaders in April 1647, the local garrison of Pampanga under Alejo Aguas ousted the Dutch forces. Rev. Jeromino Belen, O.P. rebuilt the ruined church and the convent. In 1896, the Katipuneros burned the church and convent which were rebuilt by Rev. Justo Quesada in 1903.
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines declared the church as a national historical landmark in 1939.