Quiapo Church

The Quiapo Church ( officially: Basilica Menor ng Itim na Nazareno ) is one of four Basilicae minores of the Archdiocese of Manila, the Roman Catholic Church in the capital of the Philippines, Manila. It is in Barangay Quiapo, at Plaza Miranda.

The church dedicated to the Black Nazarene has since February 1, 1987 the status of a Minor Basilica, and is one of the most famous churches in the Philippines. The Feast of the Black Nazarene is a major religious festival in Manila and the Philippines. He is honored with a January 9 annual grand procession, which has its origins in the Quiapo Church.

History

The first church was already in 1586 a roof made of bamboo and nipa palm leaves built on the site of the present church from the traditional building materials. It was burned down in 1603 during a rebellion of the Chinese residents Quiapos and rebuilt. In 1645 it was destroyed during a major earthquake. The parish was in 1685 transferred to the Jesuit order. In 1767 the church was consecrated the first time to the Philippines venerated as a saint Black Nazarene. The sculpture of the Black Nazarene was already formed at the beginning of the 17th century in Mexico - the artist was probably an Aztec - and been converted to the Philippines.

1791 burned the wooden church from complete, but was rebuilt. In 1863 it was again destroyed by the great earthquake of Manila. Then, the first church in 1864, under the leadership of the pastor Eusebio de Leon, built of stone; the building was completed under the direction of the pastor Manual Roxas. 1929 burned down the church; it was reconstructed in 1933 by the architect Juan Nakpil.

By 1989, due to the popularity and the black Nazarene many donations were received, so that five bronze bells and two digital clocks could be purchased.