Ecclesiastical evolution of St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish in Ligao City, Albay

Churches served an important pillar in the cultural heritage of the community it belongs.  This study aimed to trace the ecclesiastical evolution of St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish in Ligao City, Albay, by examining its historical transformations across various dimensions of church life and administration. It specifically sought to ecclesiastical development of the parish and identify the significant changes that have occurred in the parish in terms of its physical structure, leadership structure and liturgical practices. Furthermore, it aimed to develop an informational material based on the findings of the study.
Through qualitative method, the study utilized an interviews and documentary analysis. The findings revealed that the church began as a missionary church in the small settlement of Cavasi which evolved into an independent parish in Ligao City, Albay. Due to its adaptation on its society and with the aim of improving the church while preserving its purpose, significant changes occur in its physical structure, leadership structure and liturgical practices. These changes are observed in the preservation and enhancement of its physical structure, the expansion of its leadership structure and contextualization of its liturgical celebrations.  
In addition, the research proposed the creation of a chronicle digest magazine titled, “Trayectorya: An Pagladaw Kan Parokya ni San Esteban.” This publication was designed to promote awareness and knowledge of this cultural heritage among resident, ensuring the preservation of parish legacy as an important institution of its community.