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Malate Church: Our Lady of Remedies Parish in Manila
Malate Church: History and Architecture
Malate Church, also known as Our Lady of Remedies Parish, is a historic church in the Malate district in Manila, Philippines. The church was first built in 1588 and has undergone several reconstructions due to natural disasters and war. The current structure, which features Mexican Baroque-style architecture, was completed in 1864.
The church is dedicated to the patroness of childbirth, Our Lady of Remedies (Nuestra Senora de Remedios), and is known for its beautiful altar featuring a Virgin Mary statue brought from Spain in 1624. The church is also known for its religious festivals and events, including the Harana Kay Maria, a serenade to the Virgin Mary, held every November 19. The church is a popular destination for both locals and tourists who want to witness the rich history and religious significance of the Malate Church.
History of Malate Church
Malate Church was originally built in 1588 by the Augustinians as a friar building and was dedicated to Nuestra Señora de los Remedios. The church is a Baroque-style church overlooking Plaza Rajah Sulayman and Manila Bay. The statue of Our Lady of Remedies, which was brought over from Spain in 1624, still stands at the altar to this day.
Spanish Era
The Malate Church was a center for religious activities and evangelization during the Spanish Era. It was also a refuge for the sick and the poor. The church underwent several renovations and expansions, the most significant one occurring in the 1860s, giving it its current Baroque Neo-Mudejar style.
British Occupation of Manila
In 1762, when the British occupied Manila, they seized the church and made it their headquarters, inflicting serious damage on the structure. Unfortunately, no records remain of who restored the building after the British had left. Tragically, a typhoon on 3 June 1868 destroyed the church, leaving it in ruins.
During the Japanese occupation
During the Japanese occupation, the church and convent were reduced to nothing more than charred walls, a cruel reminder of the atrocities that had occurred. Fathers…
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