The blue dome of Manila Cathedral (Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception) in Manila. This is the 8th church that stood on this spot since the 16th century.The dome was under repair when we came for this photowalk.
The bellfry
The galero or "Cardinal's hat" of Jaime Cardinal Sin hanging from the dome of the Cathedral. Tradition distates that the galero of a deceased Cardinal must hang a-top his cathedral until it deteriorates or falls down. The galero is no longer imposed by the Pope in the Consistory or creation of new cardinals, a custom that was abolished by reforms of the Second Vatican Council.
The seal of the Republic in stained glass
Detail of the base of one of the marble side altars no longer in use since the sad implementation of the reforms of the Liturgy of Vatican II.
Dedication of the benefactor of the side altar: "Dedicated to the worship and glory of God in memory of the fine Doña Dominga de los Reyes de Padilla by her husband and sons. Dec. 12, 1958"
A replica of Michaelangelo's Pieta
Marble relief of Saint Pius X adoring the Blessed Sacrament
The detail of the tiara of Saint Pius X
The Most Holy Name of Jesus in the altar of the Saint Pius X side chapel
Dedication of the altar of Saint Pius X
Detail of mosaic above the altar in the side chapel dedicated to Santa Potentiana, Virgen y Martir (Saint Pudentiana, Virgin and Martyr). The whole body of the early Christian martyr was translated to Manila in the 19th century amid great celebration and fanfare. Unfortunately, the relics were lost after the bombing and fire that gutted the Manila Cathedral during the Liberation of Manila in 1945.
Replica of the venerated bronze statue in the Vatican of Saint Peter the Apostle, the First Pope.
Detail of the iron gates in one of the side altars
The heraldry of the Archdiocese of Manila
Mosaic portraying the commisioning of Saint Peter as the First Pontiff by Our Lord
The octagonal dome and symmetrical vaulting
The portavos or soundboard of the pulpit in the cathedral, sadly no longer in use after Vatican II
Detail of the main portal of the Romanesque cathedral
The Romanesque vaulting
The High Altar with the statue of the Immaculate Conception. Mass is no longer offered in this fine altar since the reforms of the last Council
La Inmaculada Concepcion (The Immaculate Conception) after Murillo. Originally of brass finish, it was repainted with colored encarna in recent decades
Christ the King on the ambo or lectern
La Inmaculada Concepcion, Sposa del Espirito Santo
San Francisco Xavier (Saint Francis Xavier) on the facade of the cathedral
San Pedro Apostol (?) (Saint Peter the Apostle)
San Andres Apostol (Saint Andrew the Apostle)
San Pablo Apostol (?) (Saint Paul the Apostle)
