St. Paul Church

Gazing at St. Paul Church in Manila, did you ever imagine it began as a humble training ground for nuns? St. Paul Church, originally known as St. Paul Institution, started its journey in 1912. It wasn’t meant to be a grand church at first. The Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres established a novitiate in 1911. It was for Filipino women wanting to join their order. Local families then requested a kindergarten. And so, St. Paul Institution opened its doors to a small class of six children. St. Paul Church grew steadily. It added a grade school in 1913 and a high school in 1924. Then in 1936, it expanded into higher education with a college department. The institution even had a conservatory of music by 1940. Its name was changed to St. Paul College of Manila. St. Paul Church faced a devastating blow during World War II. The Japanese army bombed the school in 1945. Remarkably, the chapel’s facade, featuring the image of the crucified Christ, survived the bombing. This resilience symbolizes St. Paul Church’s enduring spirit. St. Paul Church continued to evolve. The kindergarten and grade school eventually moved to Pasig. This allowed the Manila campus to focus on higher education. In a landmark moment in 2004, St. Paul College of Manila became St. Paul University Manila. It joined the St. Paul University System, the first recognized university system in the Philippines. It also appointed its first lay president. From a small novitiate and kindergarten, St. Paul Church blossomed into a renowned university. It continues to serve the community. It educates and inspires new generations.