santo domingo church
For almost four centuries, The Santo Domingo Church made itself known through the it's historic location in Intramuros. It was built by the Dominican Order under the supervision of Bishop Domingo De Salazar, OP of Intramuros. Its original structure in Intramuros eventually collapsed in 1589 during the World War II. It was then relocated to Quezon City in 1954 but instead of building it out of wood, they used concrete. It was named "Our Lady of La Naval" or "Our Lady of the Rosary". This church is not only historical; it is significant as well for it is houses the richly robed image of the "Nuestra Senora de La Naval". In 1941, the La Naval image was safely hidden in the vault of its original structure in Manila but after its collapsed, it was brought for a time in the University of Santo Tomas.
This image was said to be miraculous and was known to have saved the country from a large fleet of Dutchmen. During that time, the country was bound to be invaded by Dutch privateers for they have an intense desire to accumulate some riches and wealth of the Philippines and they also gained the idea of replacing Catholicism with Dutch Protestant Calvinism. There was quite a few battles between the Spanish-Catholic-Filipino forces and the Dutch privateers. But having greatly outnumbered, the Dutchmen retreated and never attempted any form of threat in our country. It was believed that it was through the Our Lady's help that the battle became victorious since every battle, the Filipinos, soldiers. And religious communities unite and offer a sincere and solemn prayer to the Our Lady. Such action was given an official church recognition that it is indeed, the Mother of God who helped them in their trials.
Every year, people celebrate the feast of the Our Lady which is held during the month of October. There are annual processions wherein public officials, priests, nuns, and her thousand devotees take part. The Santo Domingo Church was then declared by the Philippine bishops as the National Shrine of the Queen of the Holy Rosary of the Philippines.
Learn more about The Our Lady of the Holy Rosary by clicking the link below:
"Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary"
This image was said to be miraculous and was known to have saved the country from a large fleet of Dutchmen. During that time, the country was bound to be invaded by Dutch privateers for they have an intense desire to accumulate some riches and wealth of the Philippines and they also gained the idea of replacing Catholicism with Dutch Protestant Calvinism. There was quite a few battles between the Spanish-Catholic-Filipino forces and the Dutch privateers. But having greatly outnumbered, the Dutchmen retreated and never attempted any form of threat in our country. It was believed that it was through the Our Lady's help that the battle became victorious since every battle, the Filipinos, soldiers. And religious communities unite and offer a sincere and solemn prayer to the Our Lady. Such action was given an official church recognition that it is indeed, the Mother of God who helped them in their trials.
Every year, people celebrate the feast of the Our Lady which is held during the month of October. There are annual processions wherein public officials, priests, nuns, and her thousand devotees take part. The Santo Domingo Church was then declared by the Philippine bishops as the National Shrine of the Queen of the Holy Rosary of the Philippines.
Learn more about The Our Lady of the Holy Rosary by clicking the link below:
"Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary"
Architectural Design
The original structure of Sto. Domingo Church de Manila was made of wood but when it was reconstructed after its collapse, the Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City was then made of concrete. This church is one of the tallest and largest in the Philippines. Its physical attributes and interior design resembles that of a Gothic church and therefore described as a "Neo-Gothic Inspired Church".
At a first glance on the structure, you'll see that it is high and pointed. The walls outside lined with straight horizontal lines that makes it look like as if it was cemented with rectangular tiles. It is just a plain looking church on the outside but as you peak through, you'll see its outstanding interior design. The ceilings are high and pointed and the windows are made of stained glass.
The main altar holds a mosaic of Saint Dominic and was designed by Architect Jose Zaragoza. The stained glass windows are all designed by Galo Ocampo while the mural in front was created by Francesco Riccardo Monti.
Click here to see an image of the original structure of the Sto. Domingo Church in Manila
Click here to see an image of the Sto. Domingo Church in Manila being bombed during the WWII
Click here to see the altar of the Sto. Domingo Church in Manila
At a first glance on the structure, you'll see that it is high and pointed. The walls outside lined with straight horizontal lines that makes it look like as if it was cemented with rectangular tiles. It is just a plain looking church on the outside but as you peak through, you'll see its outstanding interior design. The ceilings are high and pointed and the windows are made of stained glass.
The main altar holds a mosaic of Saint Dominic and was designed by Architect Jose Zaragoza. The stained glass windows are all designed by Galo Ocampo while the mural in front was created by Francesco Riccardo Monti.
Click here to see an image of the original structure of the Sto. Domingo Church in Manila
Click here to see an image of the Sto. Domingo Church in Manila being bombed during the WWII
Click here to see the altar of the Sto. Domingo Church in Manila
