Jan 14 2012
The Basilica of the Sto. Niño in My Mind
Photo courtesy of The Latin American Library, Tulane University, Richard E. Ahlborn Collection. Published in this blog in agreement with The Latin American Library.
Looking at that vintage photograph above of the interior of the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, then simply known as Sto. Niño Church or San Agustin Church, makes me wonder what must have the friars been smoking that time to come up with a hideous plan to destroy what could have been one of the most beautiful church interior in the Far East.
The present-day interior of the church.
The intention though was done in good faith because the church was then going to be elevated into a basilica and perhaps they thought that it was apt for it to be reconfigured in order for it to be worthy of its new title and role. Prior to the major renovation the church was simply just a typical monastic church — cramp and shabby.
An intricately-carved stairway leading to the cloister.
Most old monastic churches were actually not designed to accommodate a large number of people since they were built with the community (the members of the religious order) in mind first. If today the pews are facing the altar, before they were arranged in such a manner that the members of the community who would be sitting on it would be facing each other so that they can recite the Divine Office with ease.
Latticework carvings at the railings of the choirloft.
Anyway I still believe that the interior of the church should not have been altered. The fine carvings were products of our forebears who gave their all just to serve the church. Things like these are part of our heritage that allows us to connect with our past. And who knows the artisan who carved all those precious works of art that have been torn down once thought that his contribution to the church would merit him a 100 percent assurance of entering heaven? Are we going to erase or destroy such an effort being done by a poor fellow?
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March 9th, 2012 at 9:53 pm
Very informative pictures. It gives us a glimpse of the past in order to appreciate it at present times. My grandfather is originally from Cebu and my mother used to play near the santo nino church when she was a child. She is now 88 years old. what makes you interested in old pictures? Where can i get touch with you ?I am also interested in old houses and furnitures. Hope to hear from you. Thanks for your kind attention.
March 11th, 2012 at 12:17 am
Thanks Dr. Lao.