“Blessings and miracles abound here” echoed in Michael Bacus’s words. He was the parish’s sacristan mayor for eight years. We stand before the Archdiocesan Shrine of San Nicolas de Tolentino. It is also known as San Nicolas Church. This Roman Catholic landmark holds deep historical importance in Cebu City.
Founded in 1565 as Villa de San Miguel, it was later renamed Villa Santisimo Nombre de Jesus in 1571. The construction of the stone church began in 1787. It finished in 1804. A bell tower followed in 1812. The parochial house was built in 1825. Finally, a clock was installed in 1850.
Imagine the church as a refuge. People sought divine guidance facing illness and challenges here. Bacus himself shared a story. His child had dengue. The child’s platelets were low. They could not find the child’s pulse for an hour. Prayers at San Nicolas helped his child recover.
But the church has faced trials. A storm damaged it in 1915. An earthquake struck in 1922. During World War II, the Japanese used it as a fortress. US aerial bombings left it in ruins.
After the war, the Knights of Columbus stepped in. Architect Paulo Beltran designed the present church. Fr. Venerando Reynes oversaw its completion.
An interesting local tale surrounds this church. Some say the Sto. Niu00f1o icon was found here in 1565. However, historians believe the true discovery site was Basilica Minore del Sto. Niu00f1o.
Every January, the church hosts a procession. It is during the Sto. Niu00f1o de Cebu feast. The Sto. Niu00f1o from San Nicolas Church goes to the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niu00f1o temporarily. This tradition has roots in Spanish military customs.
Look around at the church’s design. Notice the courtyard. See the welcoming entrance. Admire the beautiful artwork. Fidel Araneta’s mosaic uses tiles from Italy. The lean bell tower stands on the gospel side.
The parish of San Nicolas was founded on May 16, 1584. Augustinian friars established it. Its jurisdiction was huge. It stretched north to Bantayan Parish. It went south until Sialo Parish in Carcar was established in 1599. It became the mother parish of various churches in later years.
The feast of St. Nicolas of Tolentino is September 10th. In April, Barangay San Nicolas celebrates the Kaplag Buwad Festival or Kaplag Festival.
The Archdiocesan Shrine of San Nicolas de Tolentino stands as a testament. It shows faith, resilience, and community. It is a place where blessings and miracles continue.