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Taguig Church: History and Ecclesiastical Development

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Beside the calm Taguig River in Barangay Santa Ana, the Minor Basilica, Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Anne—formerly known as the Parish of St. Anne—stands as a quiet witness to history.

Photo reference: Minor Basilica of St. Anne - Taguig City (Facebook)

Historical Development of the Parish

The Augustinian friars Diego Alvarez and Diego de Avila built the The Saint Anne Parish Church back in 1587, during that time, Taguig was still part of the Encomienda del Tondo. The church was dedicated to Saint Anne, the maternal grandmother of Jesus Christ. 


The church’s original structure, built by Hernando Guerrero, was heavily damaged during the 1645 Luzon earthquake. It was then rebuilt in 1848 by Andres Diaz, but was once again destroyed by a strong tremor in 1882. In 1883, Patricio Martin began constructing the present-day church, a project later completed by his successor, Guillermo Diaz.


The present Baroque-inspired façade features clean lines and balanced proportions, reflecting colonial aesthetics shaped by local materials and craftsmanship, and symbolizing the resilience of its parishioners.


Elevation to Minor Basilica Status

In 2022, the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments elevated the Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Anne to the status of a minor basilica, further affirming its religious significance.


Click here to view quick facts about this parish church.


References

Taguig.com. (n.d.). Saint Anne Parish Church: A Testament to Taguig's Timeless Faith and Heritage.  https://www.taguig.com/city-guide/saint-anne-shrine/

Sayno, M. (2018, March 18). Taguig Church: Exploring St. Anne Parish and its river traditions. Beauty of the Philippines. https://www.beautyofthephilippines.com/santa-ana-de-taguig-church/

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