BYAHILO’s Visita Iglesia for the Holy Week Season: Basilica Minore del Immaculada Concepcion
Posted on March 19, 2008
The fifth church that I paid visit is the Basilica Minore del Imaculada Concepcion (Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception) more popularly known as the Manila Metropolitan Cathedral.
The Church of Manila was established by the secular Juan de Vivero who had the honor of baptizing Rajah Matanda. Vivero first arrived in these shores in 1566 as chaplain of the nao or galleon of San Geronimo which had come to support the Spanish colonization of the newly discovered islands. He was given the special privilege and sole faculty by the Archbishop of Miexico to establish the spiritual administration of the new Philippine colony. Later, Vivero would become the first vicar-general and the first ecclesiastical judge of Manila .
The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception administered the religious affairs of Manila until such time it became a parish and Manila was created into a diocese. It was a simple structure of nipa and bamboo, materials which were readily available during that time. It had for its first parish priest the secular Juan de Villanueva. The other religious who became the pillars of this parish were Juan de Vivaneta and Nicolas Riccio.
This church was also witness to the events that would threaten the city and its residents. On November 30, 1574 , the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle, the Spanish forces were able to quell Limahong’s invasion. Because of such fortunate turn of events, the holy apostle was made patron saint of Manila . The victory was celebrated with fireworks and a Mass with sermon was held in the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Manila .
More about the History of Manila Cathedral can be found here
WHY I PICKED THIS CHURCH:
The main reason why I included this church in my list is its proximity to the San Agustin Church. It is just a few blocks away thus it is just logical for me to include this in my list.
Another reason why I included the Manila Cathedral in my list is due to its significant role in several socio-political events. The Manila Cathedral is the seat of the Archdiocese of Manila. The Manila Cathedral has been the home of the late Jaime Cardinal Sin. The Manila Cardinal was known as a critic of the Philippine Government and has been instrumental in ousting President Ferdinand Marcos during the EDSA People Power Revolution (EDSA 1). He was also a key figure when a change of government took place in 2001 when Joseph Ejercito Estrada more popularly known as “Erap” was removed from office during the EDSA Dos.
» Filed Under Churches, Traditions
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Just a quick note…
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