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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.
AsiaRooms provides information on Binondo Church, Manila and for further information
check the other web links of AsiaRooms
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