Ram Felix Rengel, Jr.

The Miraculous Water of Dauis Church in Bohol

Located in the town of Dauis, three kilometers from Tagbilaran City, Dauis Church is one of Bohol's beautiful churches that has retained its Spanish architecture despite a semi-modern façade. The interior has life-like murals painted on the ceiling. Dauis Church is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. It was built in the year 1697, its design largely influenced by Romanesque and Byzantine architecture. Beautiful frescoes painted in 1916 by a painter named Ray Francia decorate the entire ceiling of the church.

The patron saint, the Virgin of the Assumption, is believed to possess miraculous powers. It is the object of the faithful, who attend its annual festivities. Legend has it that when the town was invaded by pirates, the town folks locked themselves inside the church until they ran out of water and provisions. Then suddenly a well appeared at the foot of the altar where people started drawing water. It is still the main source of water for the people living in the church vicinity. Surprisingly, the water is absolutely fresh even as the well is located only a few meters from the sea.

Up until the present time, fresh water still emanates from the well at the foot of the church altar. Locals and tourist alike flock to the church to fetch water from the well. The water is believed to have healing powers.

When I visited the church lately for my photo shoot, I brought with me a container for the well's fresh water. Filling the container is free of charge. A church aide will assist you when filling the container with the miraculous water. What is amazing is the fact that the well has never dried up ever since it was found a long time ago, considering that a lot of people have already taken water from it.

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