Lenten Season: San Augustin Church

 In commemoration of the Lenten Season this week, I would like to share my visit to the San Augustin Church in Intramuros, Manila in the Philippines last October. The San Augustin Church was built in 1589 and administered by the Order of St. Augustine Friars for over 440 years. This Church is the oldest stone church in the Philippines and decorated in the Baroque Style. The Church has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993 and a National Historical Landmark since 1976. San Augustin Church has stood the test of time throughout Philippines history from the Spanish times to the present. The Philippines was colonized by the Spanish for over 300 years and is the only Roman Catholic Country in Asia. This Lenten Season is a time to reflect, to say a prayer and to remember the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Sometimes, it is nice to go back in time and visit historical places to admire the architecture, history and to reflect by being thankful to the past, to obtain courage to face the present and pray for a better future. 

 Visitors to the Church are welcomed through this ornate wood carving door featuring the symbols of the Order of St. Augustine Friars. 

 

 Inside is a Baroque and very Spanish interior. The Walls and ceilings were decorated with trompe l'oeil murals.

Below the left side of the Church is the Crypt where wealthy and prominent Spanish families were buried including my Spanish Ancestors from the Roxas Family.

 

 An ornate pulpit decorated in Gold where the Priest usually delivers his Sermon during Mass.

Chapel of Our Lady of Consolation and Chapel of Santo Nino which is the image of Jesus when he was a boy.

Our Lady of Consolation dressed elaborately in robes made from golden threads. 

 In the Main Altar is the religious image of St.Augustine. The whole main altar is in red and gold.

Adjacent to the Church is the Augustian Monastery.

You enter the home of God every time you pray. 
- Bo Sanchez