Immaculate Conception Parish Church (Los Baños)

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Immaculate Conception Parish Church (Los Baños)

The Immaculate Conception Parish Church, also known as Nuestra Señora de Aguas Santas (Our Lady of Holy Waters), is the oldest Roman Catholic church in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines. It is in Poblacion and belongs to the Diocese of San Pablo. The parish honors the feast of Our Lady of Holy Waters on December 8.

History and background
- Los Baños began as a mission station of Bay, with Augustinian leadership and Saint Nicolas de Tolentino as the original titular saint. In 1590, the Franciscans arrived under Pedro Bautista (later canonized as Saint Pedro Bautista) and helped develop the area after discovering its hot springs.
- In 1613, a small hospital chapel was built for worship when there was no church yet. It was dedicated to La Purisima Concepcion and titled Aguas Santas. The chapel burned in 1727, and a temporary nipa-and-cane chapel stood in its place until a big stone church was completed in 1790, supervised by Rev. Fr. Domingo Mateo.
- The belfry, sacristy, and tile roof were added around 1851–1852, and the convent was built in 1852. The convent and bell tower were damaged by the 1863 earthquake but were repaired by 1880.

World War II and devotion
- During World War II, Japanese forces used the church as a garrison and headquarters.
- The church houses a revered image of Nuestra Señora de Aguas Santas (Our Lady of Holy Waters). Devotees tell of miracles, such as the Virgin’s robes appearing wet, mysterious footprints, and other signs leading to her altar.
- A legend says a fisherman found an image of the Immaculate Conception along Laguna de Bay in the early 1800s and brought it to the church, where it was welcomed as the parish’s main statue. The processional image is known as Batang Birhen or Birhen sa Genesis (Callejera).

The miracle story from the war years adds to the devotion: a Japanese soldier, about to burn the church, reportedly recognized the Virgin and asked forgiveness after learning which image was hers. Because of the strong devotion and attributed miracles, the parish hopes to become a diocesan shrine.

Current details
- The church is active and serves the local Catholic community. It is overseen by the Diocese of San Pablo, with current clergy including a parish priest and an assistant priest.