Binondo is regarded as one of the oldest areas of Christian worship in the Philippines. In the present day, it has also become a popular tourist destination for both local and foreign visitors.
Within this historic district stands the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of San Lorenzo Ruiz, also known as Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish or Binondo Church.
Construction, Destruction, and Renewal
Established in 1587, the church was founded by the Dominicans primarily to minister to Chinese converts. It was originally known as the Parish of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary and stood in front of Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz (formerly Plaza de Calderón de la Barca), where it had already been constructed before 1614. During the 18th century, it was relocated to its current site and was later renamed in honor of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first saint of the Philippines.
The original structure suffered destruction in 1762 due to British bombardment. Later, in 1778, the roof was replaced with nipa after the wooden materials were damaged by termites. Several years after, in 1781, the dome was finally built under the direction of Spanish architect Domingo Cruz y Gonzalez.
In 1852, a new granite church was completed on the same site. Its design included an octagonal bell tower with a pagoda-like appearance, reflecting the influence of Chinese culture among its parishioners.
Years later, on June 3, 1863, the church sustained slight damage due to an earthquake, which destroyed the mirador or viewing window located at the top of the bell tower.
Much later, in either March 1893 or 1894, a Catholic wedding ceremony for Andrés Bonifacio and his second wife, Gregoria de Jesús was held in the church.
On September 22, 1944, the church was devastated by American bombing, which set the entire structure on fire and destroyed even the parish archives. After the attack, only the stone remains of the western façade and the five-storey octagonal bell tower were left standing.
The current church structure was reconstructed in three stages. The rebuilding began in 1946 and continued until 1971 under Msgr. Federico V. Navarro. From 1971 to 1976, the work was partially continued by Msgr. Guillermo S. Mendoza. Restoration and further reconstruction efforts then took place from January 1977 until January 1984. Finally, on May 9, 1985, the church was solemnly blessed by Jaime Cardinal Sin.
Official Recognition as a National Shrine
On September 22, 2024, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines) officially elevated the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish and Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz—commonly known as Binondo Church in Manila—into the status of a national shrine. The declaration was announced during the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, which was presided over by His Eminence Jose F. Cardinal Advincula, D.D., the Archbishop of Manila.
Click here to view quick facts about this parish church.
References
Layug, B. (2021, December 19). Minor Basilica and National Shrine of St. Lorenzo Ruiz (Binondo, Manila). Benjie Layug – B.L.A.S.T. Live Life to the Fullest. https://benjielayug.com/2021/12/minor-basilica-and-national-shrine-of-st-lorenzo-ruiz-binondo-manila.html
Ocampo, J. V. (2024, September 29). Binondo Church, now a new national shrine. Dominus Est PH. https://www.dominusest.ph/post/binondo-church-now-a-new-national-shrine
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