Binondo Church

Binondo Church

Binondo Church in Manila is the oldest church that was built in 1596. But over the centuries the church has sustained damages from earthquakes other natural disasters and has a result has lost the original construction. Now what remains is the octagonal bell tower that was built in the 16th century.

The Binondo Church of Manila is also known as Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz. He is the first Philippine saint and spent his early years in this church as an alter boy. He worked as a clerk in the Binondo Church and when falsely accused of killing a Spaniard in 1636 fled on a boat with three other Dominican priests. The boat when reached Okinawa the small group was arrested on the basis of their religion. They were persecuted and were forced to renounce their conviction and later died as martyrs. In 1981 Pope John Paul II beatified Lorenzo Ruiz and he was canonized on October 18, 1987.

The Manila Binondo Church used to be a fine example of Spanish architecture that in the process of revamp has been diluted. In the church one should note the replica of the St. Peter's dome at the main alter and the Madonna. It is interesting to know that the local Catholic Chinese community maintains the church. The church also highlights the long tradition of Christianity in the society.

The Binondo Church is located in an enclave that is populated by the overseas Chinese population. The Spaniards found the place as this was within the range of the Intramuros cannons so as to quell any uprising from the Chinese. The place was also a significant business hub but after the World War II Makati became important as the commercial hub.

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