Information about Quiapo Church

Quiapo Church

The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, widely known as the Quiapo Church is one of the most famous basilicas in the metro. It holds in it the Black Nazarene, a statue of Jesus Christ carrying a cross that is said to be miraculous.

What to See

The façade of the Quiapo Church is prominent with its baroque style. Seen with its unique construction, the church is also distinctive with the different religious statues that are present in it. The Quiapo church is also considered as the church of the masses as it is described as “Kanlungan ng mga Mahihirap”

Around the church are varieties of outdoor stores catering all sorts of needs from spiritual to personal—there you can see fortune telling and faith healing services, alongside with balloons, flowers, clothes, statues, figurines, icons, herbal medicines, and many more.

History

Quiapo church was originally built as a small church of the Franciscan Friars in the year 1588. It was constructed under the supervision of a Franciscan Friar named Antonio de Nombella, the first parish priest. Originally, St. John the Baptist was the Patron Saint of the church until a group of Agustinian missionaries arrived in the shores of Manila in 1606. They brought with them a dark image of Jesus Christ, made with strong dark wood. The image was kneeling with one knee while carrying a large cross.

One of the most anticipated celebrations of the devotees is the feast of the Black Nazarene. It is an annual gathering that culminates ever 9th of January. During this day, a solemn procession takes place along the roads of Manila where the black Nazarene is being carried along. The miraculous statue is believed to deliver miracles to those who attempt to touch it. The Quiapo Church is more than just an ordinary church, as it carries its rich spiritual roots that took part in shaping the metro.