Sto. Domingo Church
537 Quezon Ave., Quezon City
+63 (02)743-7756; +63 (02)743-2124
07 October 2010
It was a day that brother and I planned to go to Manila South Harbor to visit the Galeon Andalucia. I was all set to see the galleon, but I was surprised when brother told the bus conductor that we will get off at Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City. I still haven't taken pictures of the church, yet (but I have visited it once a few years ago), so I was glad brother was quick to think of a side trip to maximize our day. At the same time, it was also a good way to say our prayers.
The Sto. Domingo Church first started as a church made in wood in Intramuros, Manila. When in collapsed in 1589, it was renovated and was then made in concrete, but after much destruction after the World War 2, the church was relocated in Quezon City. Called as the home of Our Lady of the Rosary or Our Lady of La Naval, it celebrates its feast day every second Sunday of October.
The triangular murals are by Carlos Francisco. There are rectangular murals above each pair of the triangular murals, which was done by Antonio Garcia Llamas. The church is considered one of the biggest in the Philippines, with total floor area of 3400 sq. meters, enough to house 7000 people.
The image is credited for having saved the city from a Dutch invasion in 1646. The image is nearly 5 feet tall and was made from hard wood. It's face and hands however, was made from ivory.
Surrounding the interior of the church are stained-glass windows depicting the 15 mysteries of the rosary were made by Galo Ocampo.
These carriages are used for processions / parades, big religious images are placed on top of each of the carriage so people don't have to carry it.
Taking pictures inside are allowed. Actually, when brother and I arrived, a mass was just about to finish, and since there was a break before the next mass started, church goers (including us) used the time to come near the altar and take pictures. Of course, as soon as the mass started, people just respect the celebration and stop taking pictures and focus on the celebration. Please click HERE if you want to know the mass schedule of this church.
Brother and I didn't hear the mass anymore; after taking pictures, we just found a place for ourselves to say our own prayers in silence. After that, we just headed to Ma Mon Luk to eat early lunch before going to the pier.
