Quiapo Church

 

 

Arguably the most famous church in the country, Quiapo church is located in Recto, Manila. Every sunday you will see that the church is filled with people, so much so that there are people already standing outside to hear mass. Around the church, you will see shops and markets selling food of different kinds and clothes of different sizes, all of these you can get at a cheap price. Although this may be a place filled with people you should always watch out for pickpockets especially during night time where these streets near this church are dangerous

 

But what the church is really famous for is that it is the home of the Black Nazarene. The Black Nazarene is an image of Jesus with an appearance of dark skin during which in his passion where in he carries the weight cross leading to Golgotha, the place where he was crucified. The Feast of the Black Nazarene is held every ninth of January in the Quiapo district of Manila. Devotees flock in the thousands just to get a glance – or even touch – the life size statue of the Black Nazarene, as it moves slowly amongst the packed streets on a path from Intramuros (the old walled city capital) towards Quiapo church. Devotees attribute many miracles to the 400 year old image that was brought to the country from Mexico in the 17th century.

Since the beginning of the spanish colonization in the philippines, churches have already begun to be constructed throughout the country. These churches help in maintaining spanish control, though many would think that the governor generals were the leaders, it was in fact the friars who were in charge of everything. “A bishop with his church resides in the city although for the time being, he has no satiple nor prebendary allowances. There is a city corporation, with two alcaldes or mayors, six regidores or aldermen and an alguacil mayor or high constable. The city abounds in all kinds of previsions and delicacies which can be obtained at moderate prices”. Even spanish government officials were afraid of the friars. Ever since then, up until today, churches are very common in the country some which are very beautiful to look at, inside and the outside. These churches reflect on what the spaniards have influenced over Filipinos for the past hundred years.