The original church was located in Intramuros until it was destroyed during World War II.[1] The venerated Marian image (Lourdes de Manila) enshrined from 1896 was hidden and spared during the bombing.[2][4]
The original church in IntramurosLa Venerada y Coronada Imagen de Nuestra Senora de Lourdes de Manila during its procession after the Canonical Coronation (August 22, 2020)Historical plaque - Manuel Flores Y De Lima
Father Bernardo de Cieza commissioned Manuel Flores Y De Lima to sculpt a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes ("La Primera Imagen") intended for the grotto of the convento. This was later placed inside the Chapel at the urging of those who attended the blessing Capuchins. The first novena to Our Lady of Lourdes took place the following year. In 1894, due to the growing devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes, a second image by Flores (“La Venerada Imagen”) was commissioned, under the guidance of Father Antonio de Valencia, and funded by Mrs. Carmen Macan. This second image was completed in time for the feast day in 1896, while the first image (“'La Primera Imagen”)was transferred inside the convento.[5]
After three months, a young woman who was diagnosed with a tumor in her lungs and near death, Doña Martina Azucena, was brought to the chapel after hearing of the miracles and cures of Our Lady of Lourdes. She implored the Blessed Mother’s intercession for her healing. After a full hour of praying in front of the Venerada Imagen, she felt strength slowly return and she walked out of the church with ease. She also testified that she had consumed nothing but Lourdes water for 28 days prior. Each year since on May 16, she offers a solemn Mass in thanksgiving for her cure in 1896.[5]
In September 1897, architects Don Federico Soler and Don José García Moron began enlargement of the chapel with help from donations from a group led by García, Doña Pelagia Velásquez, and Doña Carmen Macan. On May 1, 1898, the United States Navy arrived in Manila, easily destroying the small Spanish fleet. The American occupiers demanded Spain’s surrender, and threatened an attack that would destroy life and property within 24 hours. The next day, hearing of the looming threat of American bombardment of the City of Manila, Capuchin Superior Fr. Alfonso de Morentin prostrated in front of the Venerada Imagen to implore they be saved from destruction, and in return he solemnly vowed to dedicate their new church to her. The deadline passed, and both city and church were spared.
On September 24, 1898, with the approval of Pedro Payo y Piñeiro, Archbishop of Manila, the new church was officially consecrated, with her as the titular patroness. The new church to Our Lady of Lourdes was inaugurated on February 3, 1910.[5]
When World War II broke out, both images of Our Lady of Lourdes were kept in the sacristy of San Agustín Church together with several precious artefacts on February 5, 1945. It was left behind when the women of Intramuros were set free on February 23. It was retrieved a month later and it was brought to the chapel of the University of Santo Tomás and later moved to Santa Teresita Chapel on Mayon Street, Quezon City.[6]
On February 10, 1951, the two images of Our Lady of Lourdes were transferred to the new church from its temporary home in Mayon Street. The church was inaugurated on August 15, 1951, by the Archbishop of Manila, Gabriel Reyes, who officiated the Mass attended by many important people including Senate PresidentDonMariano Jesús Cuenco, and Miss Gullon, daughter of the Spanish Ambassador.[6][7]
Currently, the Shrine's altar, sanctuary and retablo are undergoing renovation and retrofitting.
Organization
Parochial jurisdiction
The church is located on Kanlaon Street at the corner of N.S. Amoranto Street in Sta. Mesa Heights, La Loma, Quezon City. Its current boundaries include:[1]
G. Araneta Avenue (North Bound)
Sta. Catalina Street (West Bound)
A. Bonifacio Avenue (South Bound)
Blumentritt Street (South Bound)
Maria Clara Street (East Bound)
Six parishes have been erected within the former parochial jurisdiction of the shrine, namely:[1]
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