Visita Iglesia (2023): Quiapo Church (Manila)

Today is Black Saturday, the day when the superstitious people believe that Jesus is dead. The truth is that this was the day when Jesus descended to Hades to free the worthy souls and brought them to heaven.

The death of Jesus on the cross is not the end but rather a beginning of our salvation. So for the 7th and last day of my virtual Visita Iglesia, I believe that it is good to look at Quiapo Church and the big statue John the Baptist outside of it.


Saint John the Baptist at Quiapo Church


John preceded the Lord and prepared the way of Jesus by proclaiming: "I am a voice crying out in the desert, 'Make straight the way of the Lord.'". I believe that the message is still true even until now. We Christians must make straight the way of the Lord so that he can do wonders in our life. We should straighten ourselves up and prepare for the resurrection of the Lord in our hearts.


Saint John the Baptist at Quiapo Church


The statue of John shows as if he was preaching to the people outside of Quiapo Church. He is shouting at the den of unholy things such as pamparegla, manghuhula, and anting-anting. These unholy things are displayed side-by-side with the images of Nazareno, Mama Mary, Santo Niño, rosaries, and images of saints.


Saint John the Baptist at Quiapo Church


Quiapo Church is the most popular church in Manila because of the thousands of devotees to the Black Nazarene.


Quiapo Church, Manila


What I like about Quiapo Church is the daily schedule for confession. I also regularly drop by their Adoration Chapel before the pandemic.


For more of my story, read about my previous Visita Iglesia in Quiapo Church.

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Visita Iglesia is a Catholic tradition of visiting seven or fourteen churches during Maundy Thursday. For each day, this Holy Week, I will feature one church as a sort of virtual Visita Iglesia.

Read about the churches that I visited this year

Palm Sunday: Immaculate Conception Church in Concepcion Uno, Marikina

Holy Monday: Santo Niño de Paz Chapel in Greenbelt, Makati

Fig Tuesday: Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Chapel in SM Makati

Spy Wednesday: Santa Rosa de Lima Church in Santa Rosa, Laguna

Maundy Thursday: Saint John Paul II Chapel in NAIA Terminal 3

Good Friday: Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz in Binondo, Manila

Black Saturday: Quiapo Church in Manila
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Visita Iglesia (2023): Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz (Binondo, Manila)

Good Friday is the day when we commemorate the suffering and death of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Now, a certain Philippine president ridiculed Jesus because he let Himself be crucified. That president, who only knows of worldly power, is ignorant of the power of Jesus' sacrifice. Through his sacrifice many Christians were inspired and strengthened to take up their cross, face persecution, and die like Him. One of such men who saw the power of Jesus on the cross is San Lorenzo Ruiz and I will be featuring his shrine in Binondo for the fifth day of my virtual Visita Iglesia.

Binondo Church

San Lorenzo Ruiz is a son of a Chinese convert and a native Filipina Catholic. His life is intimately connected with Binondo Church because he served as a sacristan, educated by Dominican friars, joined the Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary and became a clerk of the church.

In 1636, he was falsely accused of murdering a Spanish tax collector. To escape the Spanish colonial authorities, Lorenzo joined the Dominicans in their mission to Japan. He left his wife and children without realizing that he will never see them again.

Lorenzo and companions arrived in Japan in the period of extreme persecution under the Tokugawa Shogunate. They were captured, imprisoned for two years, and then were sent to Nishizaka Hill in Nagasaki to be tortured to death.

The Martyrdom of San Lorenzo Ruiz
(Source: AnaStPaul)

Lorenzo and his companions experienced painful forms of torture, such as waterboarding and insertion of bamboo needles under fingernails. Those who managed to stay alive during the ordeal were made to undergo the tsurushi — an execution method in which the victim is hanged upside down then lowered into a pit filled with excrement. The temple of the victim is cut so as to break their will or eventually kill them. Those who apostatized or denied Jesus Christ were released.

Lorenzo Ruiz did not betray our Lord. He even told his torturer these words: "I am a Catholic and I wholeheartedly accept death for God. If I had a thousand lives, I would offer them all to Him".

Lorenzo Ruiz followed the path of martyrdom as his Lord. A common man bore his heavy cross and in the end he received the crown of glory from his Master and Lord.


San Lorenzo Ruiz in Binondo Church

The current parish priest of Binondo said in his homilies that those in Binondo are fortunate because they walk in the aisle where San Lorenzo Ruiz once walked. They looked at the same altar where the first Filipino saint once served.

Binondo Church before the Renovation
Binondo Church before the renovation.

Binondo Church was recently renovated and looks a little different to how it looked many years ago.

The facade was fixed and was highlighted with red paint.

Renovated Binondo Church

The interior was also renovated. The old gray color scheme was replaced by somewhat pinkish palette.

Interior of Binondo Church

The altar was also repainted.

Altar of Binondo Church

My favorite painting of Saint Michael on the ceiling above the altar is still there and the other paintings on the ceilings were also restored.

Painting of the Glorious Mysteries on the ceiling of Binondo Church

At the side of the church is the image of Nuestra Señora del Pronto Socorro or Our Lady of Prompt Succor. This Marian image is not only a religious relic but also a cultural treasure. According to the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the image of Nuestra Señora del Pronto Socorro is believed to be the remaining painting of a Chinese artisan dating to the 16th Century.

Nuestra Señora del Pronto Socorro

Nuestra Señora del Pronto Socorro was first venerated in the Church of the Holy Kings in the first parian or Chinatown of Manila, which is located in the area occupied by the Manila Central Post Office and Metropolitan Theater. The Marian was later transferred to Binondo Church in 1598.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor

The Chinese who painted the Marian image copied the European version but integrated it with Oriental artistic style. The face of Mary in this image is more Chinese than European. The arrangement of Mary's cape is similar to that of Chinese goddess Kuan Yin.

We can say that the Binondo Church's Nuestra Señora del Pronto Socorro is a fusion of European and Chinese art styles.

Nuestra Señora del Pronto Socorro
(Source: Encyclopedia of PH Art)

The Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz is steeped in history. I already talked about the old Chinese tombs in the church, particularly of Juan Dionicio Coqua. A look at the floor at the entrance of Binondo Church and you will see the broken tombstones or piedra china.

Broken Chinese Tombstones in Binondo Church

Binondo Church is a testament of the victory of the Lord through his martyrs. The sacrifices made by our Lord on the cross strengthened Christians like San Lorenzo Ruiz. The horrible and shameful death of our Lord, which is ridiculed by many, is actually the source of strength that brings many people to heaven. May all us emulate San Lorenzo by cleaving to our Lord even if we are persecuted or even at the point of death.

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Visita Iglesia is a Catholic tradition of visiting seven or fourteen churches during Maundy Thursday. For each day, this Holy Week, I will feature one church as a sort of virtual Visita Iglesia.

Read about the churches that I visited this year

Palm Sunday: Immaculate Conception Church in Concepcion Uno, Marikina

Holy Monday: Santo Niño de Paz Chapel in Greenbelt, Makati

Fig Tuesday: Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Chapel in SM Makati

Spy Wednesday: Santa Rosa de Lima Church in Santa Rosa, Laguna

Maundy Thursday: Saint John Paul II Chapel in NAIA Terminal 3

Good Friday: Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz in Binondo, Manila

Black Saturday: Quiapo Church in Manila

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References:







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Visita Iglesia (2023): Saint John Paul II Chapel (NAIA Terminal 3, Pasay City)

Saint John Paul II Chapel in NAIA Terminal 3

Tucked beside the stairs in NAIA Terminal 3 is a place that I make sure to visit before I board the airplane. That place with a small space is none other than the Saint John Paul II Chapel of NAIA Terminal 3.

Saint John Paul II Chapel in NAIA Terminal 3

The Airport Chapel was established as a tribute to Pope John Paul II. I am not sure why they chose to dedicate the chapel the Pope. My only guess is that since Pope John Paul II is the pope that has most number of visits to the Philippines then that means that he has the most number of times of arriving and departing NAIA of all the Popes. 

Despite its small size, many people visit this chapel even in the wee hours of the morning. Air travelers, airport personnel, airplane cabin crew — I saw them all dropping by this chapel to pray and ask the Lord for safe flight.

Altar of Saint John Paul II Chapel in NAIA Terminal 3

My usual prayer whenever I go to this chapel is to ask the Lord for my safe journey, and also the safety of my family and loved ones who I will leave behind as I sojourn in other places.

There are images of Jesus, Mary, and other saints in many areas of NAIA Terminal 3 where people can pray to the Lord or ask the saints’ intercession. I, however, prefer going to Airport Chapel because it is a quiet place to pray.

Saint Camillus de Lellis in Saint John Paul II Chapel in NAIA Terminal 3

I am thankful to the airport management for giving a space for a chapel inside NAIA Terminal 3. It is spiritually soothing for those in the airport who wish to pray and converse with the Lord before they fly.

For those who are looking for a church to pray before boarding the airplane, I recommend Shrine of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus that is just across the street from NAIA Terminal 3. I also recommend Our Lady of the Airways Church, which is also in the vicinity of the airport.

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Visita Iglesia is a Catholic tradition of visiting seven or fourteen churches during Maundy Thursday. For each day, this Holy Week, I will feature one church as a sort of virtual Visita Iglesia.

Read about the churches that I visited this year

Palm Sunday: Immaculate Conception Church in Concepcion Uno, Marikina

Holy Monday: Santo Niño de Paz Chapel in Greenbelt, Makati

Fig Tuesday: Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Chapel in SM Makati

Spy Wednesday: Santa Rosa de Lima Church in Santa Rosa, Laguna

Maundy Thursday: Saint John Paul II Chapel in NAIA Terminal 3

Good Friday: Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz in Binondo, Manila

Black Saturday: Quiapo Church in Manila

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Visita Iglesia (2023): Santa Rosa de Lima Church (Santa Rosa, Laguna)

R

During the Second World War, when Japanese soldiers ravaged the land, residents of the lowlands of Laguna claimed that a lady in black and white appeared to them and told them to seek refuge in the town of Santa Rosa. They said that the lady told them that they will not go hungry because rice and fish are plentiful in the town of Santa Rosa. Upon reaching Santa Rosa, they realized that the lady who talked to them is Santa Rosa de Lima, who is the patron saint of the town. This story is just one of the miracles of Santa Rosa de Lima for the residents of the town named after her.

Statue of Santa Rosa de Lima Church at Santa Rosa de Lima Church in Santa Rosa, Laguna

Santa Rosa de Lima Church is the oldest church in Santa Rosa City. In fact, the church’s history is intimately connected to the city's history because the church was established with the town.

Santa Rosa de Lima Church in Santa Rosa, Laguna

Santa Rosa de Lima Church, just like in the typical old towns of the Philippines, is located at the center of the town beside the plaza and the government buildings. The church is now partially covered by Santa Rosa City’s Rizal Park.

Santa Rosa de Lima Church in Santa Rosa, Laguna

The church started as a visita of Bucol, which is the old name of Santa Rosa when it was still a barrio of Biñan. The construction of the current church structure began in 1790 by the Spanish Dominican friars, who recruited Chinese laborers for the project. It is claimed that the old Chinese families in Santa Rosa descended from these Chinese laborers.

Santa Rosa de Lima Church in Santa Rosa, Laguna

The construction was finished in 1792 and the Dominican friars selected Santa Rosa de Lima, also a Dominican, as the patroness of the new parish. Simultaneously, Barrio Bucol was also made a new municipio or municipality of Santa Rosa on January 18, 1792.

Bicentennial Plaque of Santa Rosa de Lima Church in Santa Rosa, Laguna

The first Mass honoring Santa Rosa de Lima in the new church was done on August 30, 1812 by Fray Francisco Favie, who was the first parish priest of the new town. August 30 is formerly the feast day for Santa Rosa de Lima.

I felt the centuries of history when I visited Santa Rosa de Lima Church. It is clear by just looking at its exterior that it is a very old church. The walls are of adobe blocks, which is similar to the ones used in the much older Saint Polycarp Church in Cabuyao. However, unlike the Cabuyao Church with a big bell tower, Santa Rosa de Lima Church has a smaller and less prominent bell tower.

Bell tower of Santa Rosa de Lima Church in Santa Rosa, Laguna

I read that Santa Rosa de Lima Church has 8 majestic bells, with each of them having their own name.

The facade is made of gray adobe blocks, which is typical of the churches made during the Spanish period.

Facade of Santa Rosa de Lima Church in Santa Rosa, Laguna

The facade features the four Evangelists and other saints. I think at the top is the image of the Virgin Mary.

San Juan and San Marcos at Santa Rosa de Lima Church in Santa Rosa, Laguna

In front of the church is the statue of Santa Rosa de Lima flanked by the statues of Saint Catherine of Siena, Saint Martin de Porres, and two other saints.

Statue of Santa Rosa de Lima at Santa Rosa de Lima Church in Santa Rosa, Laguna

The statues of Santa Rosa and other saints were erected to commemorate the visits of two ambassadors of Peru. The first Peruvian ambassador who visited was Victor Aritomi-Shinto in 1999 and the second one was Julio Cardenas in 2000.

Commeration plaque for the visit of Peruvian Ambassadors to Santa Rosa de Lima Church in Santa Rosa, Laguna

The church’s door is simple, not as ornate as the ones in Manila Cathedral or San Agustin Church in Intramuros.

Door of Santa Rosa de Lima Church in Santa Rosa, Laguna

The church is cavernous and much spacious compared to Balibago Church.

Inside Santa Rosa de Lima Church in Santa Rosa, Laguna

What immediately caught my attention upon entrance to the church are the tombstones on the wall.

Tomb of Perfecta Custodio in Santa Rosa de Lima Church in Santa Rosa, Laguna

I consider tombstones on the wall as proof that a church is old. The practice of burial of the dead inside the church was a common practice during the Spanish Period. Such practice was discontinued during the American Period when the Americans instituted their health and sanitary laws that prohibited burial of the dead within the church premises.

The oldest tombstone that I saw is dated March 28, 1898.

Tomb of Marcella Caballo de Perlas in Santa Rosa de Lima Church in Santa Rosa, Laguna

It is Holy Week when I visited so all of the images, excluding the Crucified Jesus, are veiled. 

Altar of Santa Rosa de Lima Church in Santa Rosa, Laguna

What’s interesting is that the parish kept the altar rails in front of the altar. The rails are used to separate the pews from the holiest part of the church.

Altar and rails of Santa Rosa de Lima Church in Santa Rosa, Laguna

Another purpose of the rails is this is where the faithful kneel to receive the Holy Communion. Note of the kneelers in front of the altar rails.

The painting of the four Evangelists on the ceiling reminded of the similar painting in St. Polycarp Church of Cabuyao.

Painting of the 4 Evangelists of Santa Rosa de Lima Church in Santa Rosa, Laguna

On the side ceiling are the paintings of the apostles.

Paintings of the Apostles of Jesus in Santa Rosa de Lima Church in Santa Rosa, Laguna

At the end of the ceiling is the image of Judas Iscariote. The word “Iscariote” was painted over but I can still read it. 

Painting of San Juan and Judas Iscariote in Santa Rosa de Lima Church in Santa Rosa, Laguna

The image is definitely of the traitor because it is the only whose name is not preceded by an S., which is the abbreviation for the Spanish word "San" or saint in English. I guess this is the only church where Judas Iscariot was depicted positively.

The current paintings on the ceiling are not the original ones. It is said that the original paintings were great attractions from 1923 to 1960. The said paintings, which featured the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Coronation of the Apostles, San Roque, and other Biblical scenes and saints, are comparable to the ceiling paintings of Quiapo Church. The original paintings were removed because they were destroyed by old age and bats. The only original paintings that remained are those of King David and Saint Cecilia at the choir loft. I do hope that these remaining paintings will be preserved.

The old paintings were replaced by the modern giant electric fans!

At the side is the spiral staircase to the choir loft.

Spiral Staircase of Santa Rosa de Lima Church in Santa Rosa, Laguna

Sadly, the caretakers of the church did not permit to climb up the stairs to have good look of the choir loft and the remaining original paintings.

The church also has the baptistry that has a marble baptismal font, an image of Jesus holding a thurible, Santo Entierro, and the veiled replica of the Pieta.

Things inside the Baptistry of Santa Rosa de Lima Church in Santa Rosa, Laguna

My visit to Santa Rosa de Lima Church was just short. But in that brief time I felt the intensity of history that the church represents. The church of Santa Rosa de Lima is the witness to the birth of the town, its sufferings during wars, and its growth into a city that touts itself as the Lion City of the South.

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Visita Iglesia is a Catholic tradition of visiting seven or fourteen churches during Maundy Thursday. For each day, this Holy Week, I will feature one church as a sort of virtual Visita Iglesia.

Read about the churches that I visited this year

Palm Sunday: Immaculate Conception Church in Concepcion Uno, Marikina

Holy Monday: Santo Niño de Paz Chapel in Greenbelt, Makati

Fig Tuesday: Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Chapel in SM Makati

Spy Wednesday: Santa Rosa de Lima Church in Santa Rosa, Laguna

Maundy Thursday: Saint John Paul II Chapel in NAIA Terminal 3

Good Friday: Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz in Binondo, Manila

Black Saturday: Quiapo Church in Manila


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References:

1. A Brief History: The Santa Rosa de Lima Catholic Church in the Santa Rosa de Lima Parish

2. Santa Rosa City Laguna: Lion City of the South

3. City Government of Santa Rosa, Laguna

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Visita Iglesia (2023): Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Chapel (SM Makati)

SM Makati Chapel

NOTE: Visit my post SM Makati Mass Schedule if you are looking for schedule of Holy Mass in Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Chapel (also known as SM Makati Chapel).

SM Malls have good in-mall chapels. One of the best SM Mall chapels is the Chapel of the Eucharistic Lord in SM Megamall. This chapel is the biggest in-mall chapel I have seen since its own adoration chapel and chapel offices, aside from the main chapel area.

Another SM chapel that I visited is Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Chapel in SM Makati.

Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Chapel

This SM chapel is also big  but still pales in comparison with the chapel in SM Megamall.

Inside SM Makati Chapel

The chapel's altar is quite simple or I daresay empty save for the crucifix and the small tabernacle.

Simple altar of SM Makati Chapel

The SM Makati Chapel is just new because it was opened on December 8, 2022, which is just 4 months ago. December 8 is a special day because it is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. On December 10, the chapel was blessed by Manila Archbishop Jose F. Cardinal Advincula.

SM Makati Chapel Blessing plaque

I just discovered this chapel when I went to the payment center to pay for my Pag-IBIG housing loan. The payment center is at the front of the chapel.

Outside of the chapel are the satellite frontline offices of Makati City and the national government. I couldn't help but think that this set-up emulates the traditional town square in the Philippines where the church is just a few distance away from the government center.

Government satellite offices outside of SM Makati Chapel

For the schedule of Holy Mass in SM Makati Chapel, please read my blog post SM Makati Mass Schedule.

Holy Mass Schedule of SM Makati Chapel

I believe that many mall operators set up chapels in their malls as part of their business plan. Catholic masses usually draw a large number of people. In fact, fast food restaurants cluster near churches because of the crowd every Sunday and holy days. Sadly, many of these mall operators think only of money and just set up "chapels" along corridors and even under stairs. These are places that are not suitable for the dignity and holiness of the Lord being celebrated every Mass. What's more saddening is that priests accept such areas even if they are not suitable.

I think that in-mall chapels like the one SM Makati and SM Megamall are very good examples of in-mall chapel. The chapel area is clearly separated from the main mall, which allowed for the solemn celebration of the Mass.

- - -

Visita Iglesia is a Catholic tradition of visiting seven or fourteen churches during Maundy Thursday. For each day, this Holy Week, I will feature one church as a sort of virtual Visita Iglesia.

Read about the churches that I visited this year

Palm Sunday: Immaculate Conception Church in Concepcion Uno, Marikina

Holy Monday: Santo Niño de Paz Chapel in Greenbelt, Makati

Fig Tuesday: Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Chapel in SM Makati

Spy Wednesday: Santa Rosa de Lima Church in Santa Rosa, Laguna

Maundy Thursday: Saint John Paul II Chapel in NAIA Terminal 3

Good Friday: Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz in Binondo, Manila

Visita Iglesia (2023): Santo Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel (Makati City)

NOTE: Are you looking for the mass schedule and the confession schedule in in Santo Niño de Paz Chapel? Please scroll down to the end of this blog post to see these information that you are looking for.

Title Card for Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel blog post

When I was still a "Makati Boy", I always passed by a chapel located beside Greenbelt enroute to MRT-Ayala. That chapel is Sto. Niño de Paz Chapel, more popularly known as Greenbelt Chapel.

Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel among the trees

Sto. Niño de Paz Chapel serves as a refuge for hundreds of employees working in Makati CBD. Many of them go to this chapel to connect with God before or after work. Even shoppers of the malls in the vicinity visit the chapel.

Altar of Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel

The altar is at the center of the chapel and the pews surround it. This peculiar arrangement is similar to that found in UP Chapel.

Altar of Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel

Altar of Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel

Located above the altar is the image of God the Father depicted as if He is blessing those who are present inside the chapel.

Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel Cross

The establishment of Greenbelt Chapel is a story of faith and gratitude to our Lord. According to Architect JW Hermogenes, the chapel was built through the efforts of Fanny Del Rosario-Diploma.

Ms. Diploma was terminally ill because of cancer. The doctors already gave up on her and told her to go home to await her death. Ms. Diploma prayed earnestly for healing. The Lord heeded her request and saved her from cancer.

After her miraculous healing, Ms. Diploma and her husband Atty. Nordy Diploma decided to build a chapel as a symbol of their gratitude to the Lord. They noticed that Makati CBD, which was still largely undeveloped at that time, has no place of worship for Catholics. So the couple talked to the Ayalas and proposed that a chapel be built at the center of a lagoon. The Ayalas agreed on the condition that no permanent structure should be built and the area be vacated if the Ayalas demand it. The couple also approached Cardinal Sin, who was the archbishop of Manila at the time. They probably seek the guidance of the cardinal, particularly on the management of the proposed chapel and the assignment of priests.

Entrance of Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel

Initially, the couple wished to build a St. Patrick Cathedral inspired chapel. But the requirements of the Ayalas made it not possible. Enrique Dizon and Topy Vasquez, the main architects for the project, designed a chapel with “steel-framed dome clad with staggered 6mm thick marine plywood”. The architects also designed the church to be easily moved by a helicopter just in case the Ayalas demand the removal of the chapel.

The Greenbelt Chapel was inaugurated on July 28, 1983 and was dedicated to Santo Niño de Paz. The chapel was initially placed under the jurisdiction of the Salesians, who also administer Don Bosco Church in Makati CBD. 

Mama Mary in Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel

What I like with this chapel is that the Sacrament of Confession is available almost daily. This is thanks to the dedication of the chapel to St. Padre Pio, a saint who is known for his zeal in the confessional. Confession is available in the Greenbelt Chapel from Monday to Saturday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. I noticed that many people lined up for confession during my visit. I hope that more priests make confession truly available in their parishes.

Another thing that I like with Greenbelt Chapel is the donation that they send to impoverished parishes in the Philippines through their Love-a-Parish Program. Money donated by the people through this program were sent to various parishes from the northernmost parish in Batanes to the Southernmost in Tawi-Tawi. 

Who is Santo Niño de Paz

Santo Niño de Paz is not a well-known title of Santo Niño in the Philippines. The most popular title is Santo Niño de Cebu, who draws crowds to Cebu City during his feast every January. A quick Google search shows that only the Greenbelt Chapel is the Catholic place of worship that is dedicated to Santo Niño de Paz.

The only church that I found is in Mexico (the country in South America, not the town in Pampanga) that bears the name Santo Niño de la Paz. This Mexican church is also in the midst of commercial buildings. Another similarity is that both places were built through the efforts of women. Santo Niño de la Paz Church was built through the efforts of Mrs. Catalina Escandón.

Santo Niño de Paz means the Holy Child of peace. It is a perfect title for our Lord for he is the bringer of peace. I believe that He brought peace to Fanny Del Rosario-Diploma by healing her cancer.

Beautiful Scenery Outside of Greenbelt Chapel

Outside of the Greenbelt Chapel are noteworthy sculptures. The first one that I noticed is the herd of carabaos.

Carabaos at Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel

This is a typical scene in the farming towns in the countryside.

Carabaos at Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel

Another statue is that of children playing tug-of-war.

Tug-of-War at Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel

Their pose is weird since the rope was already cut. It is as if they are pulling an imaginary rope. I enjoyed looking at the kids’ expressions that make the statues alive.

Kid's Faces at Greenbelt Park

I do not know who made these statues. Even Google does not have any idea.

Located nearby is the small bell tower of Greenbelt Chapel.

Belltower of Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel

Those who are interested in more artworks can visit the Ayala Museum, which is located in Greenbelt Mall.

Signs at Greenbelt Mall

Mass Schedule in Santo Niño de Paz Chapel

Schedule of Masses in Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel

Holy Mass

Monday to Friday: 7:15 AM, 12:15 PM, 6:00 PM

Saturday: 12:15 PM, 4:30 PM, 6:00 PM

Sunday: 7:15 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:15 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:30 PM, 6:00 PM


Confession Schedule in Santo Niño de Paz Chapel

Confession: Monday to Saturday - 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

I confessed in this church ones or twice and I can say that their schedule is very convenient for those people who have a hard time looking for the "free" time to confess. The line during my confession was short so I was able to receive the Sacrament of Confession after a few minutes of waiting.

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Visita Iglesia is a Catholic tradition of visiting seven or fourteen churches during Maundy Thursday. For each day, this Holy Week, I will feature one church as a sort of virtual Visita Iglesia.

Read about the churches that I visited this year

Palm Sunday: Immaculate Conception Church in Concepcion Uno, Marikina

Holy Monday: Santo Niño de Paz Chapel in Greenbelt, Makati

Fig Tuesday: Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Chapel in SM Makati

Spy Wednesday: Santa Rosa de Lima Church in Santa Rosa, Laguna

Maundy Thursday: Saint John Paul II Chapel in NAIA Terminal 3

Good Friday: Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz in Binondo, Manila


Black Saturday: Quiapo Church in Manila

Read my old blog post about Greenbelt Chapel.

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References:

1. History: A Bastion and Beacon of Faith for 35 Years in Santo Niño de Paz Chapel

2. The Greenbelt Chapel Story in Architrek

3. Santo Niño de la Paz in Gobierno de la Ciudad de Mexico

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