It has been a while since I have promised a story about the Manila Cathedral and so here it is.
It was last November 2011 when I went with my mother for a visit. Visiting this Cathedral was a spur of the moment thing. We were too early for check-in at our hotel and decided to visit this church nearby while hopping into a waiting taxi. It turned out to be a very satisfying trip.
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| This cathedral-basilica is located in Intamuros, Manila and across Fort Santiago. |
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| This facade of the Manila Cathedral greeted us on a bright sunny day. |
When we entered the Cathedral, it was dim and cool inside. A security guard was stationed behind a table with a logbook for guests. We signed on, and went on inside the church to pray and visit the many chapels on the right side of the basilica.
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| My mother stands at the center aisle of the church with the brightly-lit altar behind her. |
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| Our beautiful Lady of Immaculate Concepcion |
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| The stained glass windows above the altar depicted the many images and names of our Lady. |
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| the bronze doors before the altar |
What really held my interest were the chapels that were located on the right side of the cathedral. The first one was dedicated to Our Lady and some saints.
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| Our Lady of La Leche, Patroness of pregnant women |
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| Our Lady of Antipolo, Patroness for Peace and Good Voyage |
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| Our Lady of the Pillar appeared to St. James while Mary was still alive. |
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| A sculpture depicting The Crucifixion |
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| An eerily-lit statue of St. Josemaria Escriva :) |
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| Our Lady of All Nations |
I found this plaque on one of the marble columns, located on the right side near the altar.
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| Something that needs translation :) |
In the Chapel of Blessed Souls, there are terra-cotta carvings about the poor souls in Purgatory.
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| Souls in Purgatory seeking Mary's help |
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| "The Release of a Soul from Purgatory" by Dr. Antonio Raymundo, MD. |
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| St. Gertrude the Great is a unique and gifted saint whose love for our Lord was rewarded by almost daily visions of Him. |
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| If said fervently, this prayer will release 1,000 souls from Purgatory. |
St. Peter is prominently seated next to the Chapel of the Blessed Souls.
In another chapel, this picture of Our Lady of the Philippines was situated on a whole wall with a description.
Within another chapel near the church's entrance housed some information on pipe organs and how it works, the 12 Emblems of the Immaculate Concepcion, and the chart that illustrates churches that fall under the Diocese of Manila (picture below).
There are much more to be seen and learned within the Manila Cathedral, and another trip would certainly yield new experiences. As of this writing, this Cathedral is under renovation and closed to the public until further notice.
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Are you looking forward to see this majestic Basilica for yourself?
:)
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