Dedicated to the Holy Infant Jesus, the Cathedral of the Holy Child stands as the national cathedral of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente. Have you ever wondered about the story behind this unique church? It is the seat of the Obispo Maximo. He is the Church’s chief pastor. The cathedral is located in Ermita Manila. Its story reflects a nation’s search for religious identity.
The Iglesia Filipina Independiente sought to create a church by Filipinos and for Filipinos. This was in response to corruption and discrimination within the Roman Catholic Church. Labor leader Isabelo de los Reyes led this movement. They appointed Fr. Gregorio Aglipay as the first Obispo Maximo.
The first central church was a house on Calle Lemery. Doña Saturnina Salazar offered her house. She financed the first National Cathedral. It was inaugurated in January 1905. This Tondo Cathedral was destroyed during World War II in 1945. The heirs of Saturnina Salazar reclaimed the land.
For over twenty years, the church lacked a national center. Plans to rebuild were delayed. The Maria Clara Christ Church served as a temporary center.
In 1960, a fundraising program began. Its aim was to build a new National Cathedral. The Protestant Episcopal Church offered land in Ermita. A lease contract was signed in 1966. The Iglesia Filipina Independiente gained full ownership in 1972.
Carlos D. Arguelles designed the National Cathedral. Groundbreaking occurred on December 18, 1964. The cathedral was inaugurated on May 8, 1969. The event coincided with Gregorio Aglipay’s 109th birthday. Catholic and Protestant leaders attended. The Cathedral of the Holy Child was dedicated. It honored the patron saint of the first National Cathedral in Tondo.
The cathedral’s facade features a contemporary design. Concrete and wood create a unique look. The interior maintains a traditional layout. Stained glass art adorns the windows.
The elevated LRT Line 1 has somewhat dwarfed the Cathedral of the Holy Child. Yet, its presence remains strong. It stands as a testament to the Iglesia Filipina Independiente’s spiritual force. It is a place where faith and national identity intertwine.