Finally got to take photos of this amazing structure at dusk. So sad to see all those electric wires blocking the view. Will update this entry soon when I am able to take photos of the interior. This was taken during the Feast Day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
Note: The rest of the entry found below was first posted on April 22, 2006
One of my most fervent wishes was to hear Mass in San Sebastian in Legarda, Manila. Finally had the chance to go last month, many thanks to CBCP's Stephen Borja. Yes, I did knock on the facade to make sure it really is made of steel!
The main altar with the image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, flanked on both sides by Saints John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila, both Doctors of the Church.
It appears that this church was managed by the Carmelites before until they moved to their National Shrine on Gilmore. Information on this is most welcome.
Useful link for future refence.
4 comments:
re rocking and rolling with earthquakes, i dont know if it does do that but it certainly was built to resist earthquakes.
Bernadette, yes. you are right. In fact, several places in manila - and in metro manila, for that matter - still hold on to their original european charm.
Not quite so. We can't be entirely blamed for the presence of such architectural styles. After all, we did have 300 years of Spanish presence here.
Even Thailand's King Mongkut and his father adapted Western styles in order to "bring the country forward."
Thank you for this post and picture. I didn't know why, but as a young child, I was always drawn to this church. Many many years later, and I'm not sure who I heard it from, (either my grandmother or my mother) hours before I was born, my mother wanted to hear mass at San Sebastian. As I remember the story, it was during the mass that my mother went into labor and knew that I was going to be born that day.
Growing up, and yet to hear this story, this church already had a special hold in me. It was as if I own this church, and it owns me!
Again, thanks for your post -- it reminded me of my past and which I wish to visit again, someday soon.
Anonymous, wow! That's a very touching story. I am glad that you found a special affinity to this post. You're very much welcome and thanks for visiting the blog. :-)
Dylan
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