Binondo Church, Manila, Philippines Verified listing

Binondo Church, Manila, Philippines

The Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz is also called Binondo Church. It is located in Binondo, Manila, facing Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz. This church is under the Archdiocese of Manila. Dominican priests founded it in 1596 to serve their Chinese converts to Christianity.

However, the original structure was destroyed in 1762 by British bombardment. Later, in 1852, a new granite church was built on the same site. Unfortunately, it suffered heavy damage during World War II. As a result, only the western façade and octagonal belfry survived.

Saint Lorenzo Ruiz is deeply connected to this church. Born to a Chinese father and Filipino mother, he trained here before becoming a missionary to Japan. There, he and his companions were martyred for refusing to renounce Christianity. In 1987, Pope John Paul II canonized him as the Philippines’ first saint. Today, a large statue of him stands in front of the church.

Masses at Binondo Church are held in Filipino, Mandarin, Hokkien, and English. Thus, it serves a diverse community of believers. As of 2022, the current parish priest and shrine rector is Esteban U. Lo. He continues to lead the community in worship and spiritual growth.

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