Santo Domingo Church

Santo Domingo Church
National Shrine of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of La Naval Pambansang Dambana ng Mahál na Birhen ng Santísimo Rosario ng La Naval Santuario Nacional de Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario de La Naval
Façade and belfry of Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo Church Location in Metro Manila
14°37′36″N 121°00′37″E / 14.626635°N 121.010202°E / 14.626635; 121.010202Coordinates: 14°37′36″N 121°00′37″E / 14.626635°N 121.010202°E / 14.626635; 121.010202
Location	537 Quezon Ave., Quezon City
Country	Philippines
Denomination	Roman Catholic
Website	http://www.lanavaldemanila.com
History
Founded	October 10, 1954 (as a National Shrine) February 23, 1972 (as a parish)
Architecture
Functional status	Active
Heritage designation	National Cultural Treasure
Designated	October 2012
Architect(s)	José María Zaragoza
Architectural type	Church Building
Style	Spanish Modern Style
Groundbreaking	1952
Completed	1954
Specifications
Length	85 m (279 ft)
Width	40 m (130 ft)
Height	25 m (82 ft)
Floor area	3,300 m2 (36,000 sq ft)
Materials	Concrete
Administration
Archdiocese	Manila
Diocese	Cubao
Province	Manila
Clergy
Archbishop	Most Rev. Luis Antonio Cardinal G. Tagle, D.D.
Bishop(s)	Most Rev. Honesto F. Ongtioco, D.D.
Rector	Rev. Fr. Roland D. Mactal, O.P.
Priest(s)	Rev. Fr. Ramon T. Salibay, O.P. (Parish Priest)

October 10, 1954 (as a National Shrine)

The Santo Domingo Church, also known as National Shrine of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of La Naval de Manila (Spanish: Santuario Nacional de Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario de La Naval de Manila; Filipino: Pambansang Dambana ng Mahál na Birhen ng Santísimo Rosario ng La Naval), is the largest church in Metro Manila and one of the biggest churches in Asia. It is a massive church complex that includes the mother house of the Filipino Dominicans, which is the center of Dominican activities in the archipelago and the Filipino Dominicans who have been sent to other parts of the world.

The first Catholic missionaries to arrive in Manila were Spanish Agustinians who came in 1571 with Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. The Francsicans came a few years later, in 1578. It was in 1587 that the first Dominicans arrived in Manila from Cádiz (Spain). They were welcomed by Domingo Salazar, Bishop of Manila. The order temporarily stayed at the Franciscan convent in Manila while some of them were sent to Pangasinan and Bataan to start their missionary work. Salazar sponsored 3,000 pesos for the construction of the church and 300 pesos for the purchase of land. A small church was erected on August 6, 1587, made from light materials. In January 1, 1588, the chapel was inaugurated and it enshrined the Miraculous image of Our Lady of the Rosary from Mexico.

In 1589, the church was partially destroyed by an earthquake. Because the roof had collapsed, the Dominican friars decided to build a larger church made from stronger materials. Through the direction of Father Alonzo Jiménez, the second church was made from stone. Contributions were given by Captain Castillo, María Pérez, and Captain Domingo Mendiola.. The church was inaugurated on April 9, 1592.

A fire of April 30, 1603, which destroyed a third of a city, consumed both the church and the convent. Almost immediately built a third church was built, bigger and more costly. It contained a stone vault as precaution against fire and earthquake. Donations were again asked. Though made of stone, it was destroyed by another earthquake on November 30, 1645. Only the high altar remained.