The Manila Cathedral: A testimony of faith

Today marks the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle. He became patron saint of Manila because on his feast day, the Spanish forces successfully defeated Limahong’s troops when they tried to invade Manila in 1574, supposedly to drive out the Spanish and restore the Philippines to independence. The Chinese pirate, however, was actually more interested on the spice trade and other exotic treasures from the East. The Spanish victory was celebrated with a Mass held in the first church established in the Manila diocese, The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception. It is interesting to note that this first church in Manila was made with nipa and bamboo, the only available materials at that time. Later, on May 13, 1579, King Philip II ordered the Governor-General to construct a better cathedral on a convenient site, which is now Intramuros, with the funds to come from the natives, the Royal Treasury and the encomenderos. Part of the tithes belonging to the king during a period of ten years was also used to finance the construction. Thus the first Cathedral of Manila was formally raised on December 21, 1581 under Manila’s first bishop, Fray Domingo de Salazar.

According to its website, the Manila Cathedral, now 4 centuries old, underwent various major repairs and reconstructions each time it went through several calamities, including two great earthquakes and even a world war. Now, not only does the Manila Cathedral stand as the symbolic seat of the Catholic Church in Manila, being the site of the most important religious events in Philippine history. It has attained world recognition, thanks to the rector of the Cathedral, Monsignor Nestor Cerbo’s Christian evangelization ministry, the Cathedral is fast becoming a destination for pilgrims seeking an encounter with Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, the titular patroness. A beautiful building with a striking Neo-Romanesque façade and Byzantine motifs, the Manila Cathedral is an architectural attraction to behold. It stands in an area of almost 3,000 square meters, its chapels paved by highly polished Carrara marble prefabricated in Italy. The main altar features the two-meter high statue of the Immaculate Conception, ensconced among lovely columns also built of Carrara marble. Likewise, the altars of the side chapels, the pulpit and the Episcopal throne are also made of Italian marble.

Recently, we read the good news that the old, worn-out pipe organ in the Cathedral, unused for the last 15 years, has been fully restored to its original form and function. Monsignor Cerbo is elated that his dream of restoring the structure is slowly coming true. "With the instrument now rebuilt, we bring back the sounds of wonderful splendor and revive the rich musical tradition of this premier church of Manila as we lift our minds to God," Msgr. Cerbo said. The Manila Cathedral stands witness to events in Philippine history, stood the test of time and nurtured the faith of the Filipinos throughout many generations. The Lord is pleased with a praying people working together in unity, thus is a beautiful structure brought to life.