Perhaps no other ecclesiastical territory in the Philippines holds as much historical weight as the Ecclesiastical Province of Manila. It is more than just a geographical area. It is a living testament to centuries of faith.
The Archdiocese of Manila’s story begins on February 6 1579. Pope Gregory XIII established Manila as a suffragan diocese of Mexico. This followed the initial missionary efforts in the region.
In 1595 Pope Clement VIII elevated the Diocese to an Archdiocese. Three new dioceses became suffragans of Manila: Nueva Caceres Nueva Segovia and Cebu. The Archdiocese of Manila then comprised Manila and ten nearby provinces including Rizal Bulacan and Pampanga.
The first Bishop Fray Domingo Salazar OP took his seat in 1581. He chose the church built by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi as the seat. It became the Manila Cathedral. Bishop Salazar convened the First Synod of Manila. Decisions included teaching catechism in the native dialect. The synod also declared human rights for native Christians and non-Christians.
Since Bishop Salazar thirty prelates have led the Archdiocese. Ignacio de Santibanez a Franciscan succeeded him. Later Miguel de Benavidez a Dominican took over in 1603. Diego Vazquez de Mercado became the first secular leader in 1610.
In 1903 Jeremiah Harty became the first non-Spanish archbishop. He followed Dominican Bernardino Nozaleda. Michael O’Doherty became archbishop in 1916.
Gabriel M Reyes was appointed as the First Filipino Archbishop of Manila in 1949. Rufino J Santos succeeded him in 1953. He became the first Filipino Cardinal Archbishop of Manila in 1960.
Jaime L Sin was appointed archbishop in 1974. Gaudencio B Cardinal Rosales followed Cardinal Sin in 2003. In 2011 Luis Antonio G Tagle became archbishop.
Cardinal Tagle became Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples in 2019. Bishop Broderick S Pabillo became Apostolic Administrator of Manila in 2020. In 2021 Pope Francis appointed Capiz Archbishop Jose F Cardinal Advincula as the 33rd Archbishop of Manila.
Over the years the territory of the Archdiocese has changed. In 1910 Mindoro became an independent diocese. In 1928 the Diocese of Lingayen divided Manila and Nueva Segovia. Twenty-six parishes were separated from Manila.
In 1948 the northern part became the Diocese of San Fernando. In 1961 Bulacan and Cavite separated. They became the Dioceses of Malolos and Imus. In 1983 the eastern part of Rizal formed the Diocese of Antipolo.
In 2002 Novaliches and Paranaque became dioceses. In 2003 Cubao Kalookan and Pasig were created.
Today the Archdiocese of Manila includes Manila Makati Mandaluyong Pasay and San Juan. It spans 117.23 sq km. The Diocese of Kalookan and Novaliches bounds it to the north. Antipolo and Pasig are to the east. Paranaque is to the south. Manila Bay is to the west.
The Ecclesiastical Province of Manila stands as a symbol of faith. It represents resilience and spiritual leadership. Its story continues to unfold. Each chapter adds to its rich heritage. The Archdiocese remains a beacon of hope. It guides countless souls.