HISTORICAL CHURCHES IN THE PHILIPPINES

by: F.C. Irorita

Tracing its roots way back to the 16^th century, the Catholic Church and the Philippines go way, way back. One way to trace Catholicism’s history is by visiting its churches, and there are many, even in Manila alone. It might take a while before you could tour all of them, so be sure to be on a look-out for a transient housing if you’re planning to visit the Philippines to tour the churches I’m going to talk about.

Let’s start with the center of the Catholic Faith in the Philippines; walled-in the famous Intramuros and the highest seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese in the country: the Manila Cathedral. It used to be just a parish under the diocese of Mexico when it was erected in 1571, until it became a separate diocese in 1579. You could reach Intramuros with the Baclaran/Mabini jeepney that passes by the Doroteo Jose station of the LRT-1 line.

Also within the walls of Intramuros is the impervious San Agustin Church. What’s so fascinating about this church is that despite being the oldest stone church in the Philippines, it has never been destroyed or damaged so devastatingly and has survived the test of time, making it an eyewitness to many historical moments in the country. The San Agustin Church was erected in 1589 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a must-visit for Catholics.

Just outside the walls of Intramuros, you could also visit Malate Church, which is dedicated to Our Lady of Remedios, the patroness of childbirths. If you’re looking at it from the sky, you will see that the church is actually shaped like a cross.

One that has seen the fiery battles of World War II was Binondo Church, which was damaged devastatingly when the Americans reclaimed Manila from the Japanese occupants. It was built in 1596 by the Dominicans for the Chinese converts who live in Binondo. Binondo Church is just walking distance away from the Carriedo station of the LRT-1 line.

If you’re after architectural magnificence, then you should really see the San Sebastian Church. Its breathtaking Gothic architecture is actually the only all-steel church in Asia, and it is also rumored that Gustave Eiffel had a hand in its design and construction in 1891. This church, which also is the center of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, can be reached through the jeeps bound for Sta. Mesa on C.M. Recto near Doroteo Jose Station.

And finally, you could also visit the largest Marian Church in the Philippines, the Baclaran Church. It is the National Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. You can get there by taking a south-bound jeepney at the Taft Avenue station of the MRT line.

Have fun with your tour and let it strengthen your faith! But don’t forget to set up your vacation apartment first before the tour!