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The Manila Cathedral: The Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
The Manila Cathedral in Intramuros Manila or also known as the Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica is the central Roman Catholic church in the Philippines. This is where the archbishop of the archdiocese of manila is seated.
The current seat is vacant as former Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle assumed the position as prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples in December 2019.
Manila Cathedral History
The Manila Cathedral has been long-standing since the ruthless bombings during the Battle of Liberation in 1945. In fact, it is lived through several tragedies.
Initially built using nipa and bamboo in 1581, Juan de Vivero intended it to be just a simple parish until it was announced as a cathedral on December 21, 1581, by Domingo Salazar, the first-ever bishop of Manila.
The Manila Cathedral has withstood many tragedies ranging from wars, fires, earthquakes, and typhoons, but it was preserved until today and shall remain as a significant historical architecture carrying the history of the country.
Interesting Facts
The Latin word, Intramuros, is roughly translated as “within the walls.” During the Spanish colonization, The Walled City and the city of Manila were interchangeably used.
Inside the Cathedral, you can find sacred relics, and it also houses countless religious artworks that date back to centuries ago.
The Manila Cathedral is where papal Masses are done by several popes who have paid a visit to the country years back.
Pope Paul VI in November 1970
Many Filipinos from different parts of the country gathered at the Cathedral to welcome Pope Paul VI.
Pope John Paul II’s Visit; Beatification of Lorenzo Ruiz
In February 1981, Pope John Paul II visited the Cathedral For the beatification of Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino martyr.
Pope John Paul II conducted his first mass in the Philippines and told Cardinal Sin that he would want the Manila Cathedral to become a basilica. Indeed, on April 27, it’s status was elevated to Minor Basilica.
Mass Schedule
- Mondays to Fridays – 7:30 AM and 12:10 PM
- Saturdays – 7:30 AM only
- Sundays – 7:00 AM, 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM and 6:00 PM
Contact Info
You may contact them through any of their landlines:
- (632) 8 527-3093
- (632) 8 527-1796
- (632) 8 527-3889
- (632) 8 527-3876
Or email them at [email protected].
You may look for Donna Santos, Section Head – Office Services of the Cathedral. You can also visit their office during their designated office hours:
- Tuesdays to Saturdays – 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Sundays – 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Please take note of the areas that are closed on Mondays and during holidays.
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Also read:
- Photos Of Pope Francis In The Philippines
- Exploring The Manila Metropolitan Theater
- San Agustin Church, Manila: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
