View source for Manila Cathedral

{{Short description|Roman Catholic church in Manila, Philippines}}
{{For|the cathedral-basilica in Bulacan|Malolos Cathedral}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2024}}
{{Use Philippine English|date=October 2022}}
{{Infobox church
| icon             = 
| icon_width       = 
| icon_alt         = 
| name             = The Manila Cathedral
| fullname         = Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
| other name       = The Mother Church of the Philippines{{efn|It is one of two claimants of the title of [[mother church]] in the country, the other being the [[Basilica del Santo Niño]] in [[Cebu City]] which was [[Canon law of the Catholic Church|canonically]] declared the title by [[Pope Paul VI]] in 1965.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vatican.va/holy_father/paul_vi/apost_letters/documents/hf_p-vi_apl_19650401_ut-clarificetur_lt.html |title=Ut clarificetur, Litterae Apostlicae, Titulus ac privilegia Basilicae Minoris ecclesiae Sanctissimo Nomini Iesu Caebuae dicatae conferuntur, d. 1 m. Aprilis a. 1965, Paulus PP. VI |access-date=June 27, 2023 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302231520/https://www.vatican.va/holy_father/paul_vi/apost_letters/documents/hf_p-vi_apl_19650401_ut-clarificetur_lt.html |archive-date=March 2, 2013 }}</ref>}}
| native_name      = {{ubl
  | {{nobold|{{native name|italic=no|fil|Basilika Menor at Kalakhang Katedral ng Kalinis-linisang Paglilihi}}}}
  | {{nobold|{{native name|italic=no|es|Basílica Menor y Catedral Metropolitana de la Inmaculada Concepción}}}}
  }}
| image            = Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción, Manila, Filipinas, 2023-08-26, DD 21.jpg
| image_size       = 270px
| alt              = Main façade of the cathedral
| caption          = Main northwestern [[façade]] in August 2023. The statue of [[Rose of Lima]], a national [[patron saint|patroness]], is decorated with flowers for her feast day.
| relief           = 
| coordinates      = {{coord|14.59147|N|120.97356|E|region:PH-00_type:landmark|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| osgraw           = <!--  TEXT -->
| osgridref        = <!-- {{gbmappingsmall| TEXT}} -->
| location         = [[Intramuros]], [[Manila]]
| country          = [[Philippines]]
| language(s)      = [[Filipino language|Filipino]], [[English language|English]]
| denomination     = [[Catholic Church|Catholic]]
| sui iuris church = [[Latin Church]]
| previous denomination = 
| tradition        = [[Roman Rite]]
| religious institute = <!-- Can be substituted with 'religious order'-->
| churchmanship    = 
| membership       = 
| attendance       = 
| website          = {{URL|manilacathedral.com.ph}}
| former name      = Church of Manila
| bull date        = {{start date and age|1579|2|6}}
| founded date     = {{start date and age|1571}}
| founder          = Fray Juan de Vivero
| dedication       = [[Immaculate Conception]]
| dedicated date   = {{start date and age|2018|12|10}}
| earlydedication  = {{start date and age|1958|12|10}}
| consecrated date = {{start date and age|1958|12|7}}<ref name="eighth" />
| cult             = 
| relics           = {{plainlist|
*[[John XXIII]]<ref>{{Cite news|title=Relics of canonized popes to go on display at Manila Cathedral |first=Julius N. |last=Leonen |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1004582/relics-of-canonized-popes-to-go-on-display-at-manila-cathedral-manila-cathedral-popes-pope-john-pope-john-paul-anniversary |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]] |date=June 27, 2018 |access-date=March 15, 2023}}</ref>
*[[Paul VI]]<ref>{{Cite news|title=Manila Cathedral to display St. Paul VI relic |first=Tina G. |last=Santos |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1130898/manila-cathedral-to-display-st-paul-vi-relic |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]] |date=June 17, 2019 |access-date=March 15, 2023}}</ref>
*[[John Paul II]]<ref name="jpii">{{Cite news|title=Manila Cathedral receives vial of St. John Paul II's blood |first=Ferdinand |last=Patinio |date=December 18, 2017 |work=[[Philippine News Agency]] |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1019224 |access-date=March 15, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Cathedral opens St. John Paul II's blood relic for veneration |first=Ferdinand |last=Patinio |date=October 20, 2022 |work=[[Philippine News Agency]] |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1186594 |access-date=March 15, 2023}}</ref>
*[[True Cross]]<ref>{{Cite news|title=Relic of 'True Cross' to be exposed at Manila Cathedral |first=Leslie Ann |last=Aquino |date=September 13, 2022 |url=https://mb.com.ph/2022/09/13/relic-of-true-cross-to-be-exposed-at-manila-cathedral/ |work=[[Manila Bulletin]] |access-date=April 7, 2024}}</ref>
}}
| events           = {{Collapsible list
 | title = List
 | [[Intramuros Grand Marian Procession]] (First Sunday in December)
 | [[Feast of the Immaculate Conception|Patronal Feast]] (December 8)
 | 33rd [[International Eucharistic Congress]] (February 1937)
 | [[Papal Mass]]es of [[Pope Paul VI]] (November 27, 1970), [[Pope John Paul II]] (February 17, 1981), and [[Pope Francis]] (January 16, 2015)
}}
| past bishop      = {{unbulleted list<!-- archbishops after the 1958 post-war reconstruction -->
 | [[Rufino Santos]]
 | [[Jaime Sin]]
 | [[Gaudencio Rosales]]
 | [[Luis Antonio Tagle]]
}}
| people           = [[Miguel López de Legazpi]]
| status           = {{flatlist|
* [[Cathedral]]
* [[Minor basilica]]
}}
| functional status = Active
| heritage designation = [[Important Cultural Property (Philippines)|Important Cultural Property]]
| designated date  = 2018
| previous cathedrals = 7
| architect        = [[Fernando Ocampo]]
| architectural type = [[Architecture of cathedrals and great churches|Cathedral]]
| style            = [[Romanesque Revival architecture|Neo-Romanesque]]
| years built      = {{ubl|1581 ({{abbr|dst.|destroyed}} 1583)|1592 ({{abbr|dst.|destroyed}} 1600)|1614 ({{abbr|dst.|destroyed}} [[1645 Luzon earthquake|1645]])|1654–1662 ({{abbr|demo.|demolished}} 1751)|1760 ({{abbr|dst.|destroyed}} 1852)|1854–1858 ({{abbr|dst.|destroyed}} [[1863 Manila earthquake|1863]])|1873–1879 ({{abbr|dst.|destroyed}} [[Battle of Manila (1945)|1945]])|1954–1958}}
| groundbreaking   = {{start date and age|1954|12|8}}
| completed date   = {{start date and age|1958|12|8}}
| construction cost = [[Philippine peso|₱]]120 million (renovation)<ref name="renov-costs">{{Cite news|title=Tagle: We are all home, in the house of our God |first=Jocelyn R. |last=Uy |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]] |date=April 10, 2014 |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/593222/tagle-we-are-all-home-in-the-house-of-our-god |access-date=March 13, 2023}}</ref>
| closed date      = 
| demolished date  = 
| capacity         = 2,000<ref name="capacity">{{Cite news|title=Only 2,000 attendees for Pope Francis' Manila Cathedral Mass |url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/76751-2000-attendees-pope-francis-manila-cathedral/ |first=Katerina |last=Francisco |work=[[Rappler]] |date=December 2, 2014 |access-date=January 20, 2024}}</ref>
| length           = {{cvt|84.4|m}}<ref name="gearth">Measured using [[Google Earth]].</ref>
| width            = {{cvt|31.4|m}}<ref name="gearth"/>
| width nave       = {{cvt|11.9|m}}<ref name="gearth"/>
| width transepts  = {{cvt|48.9|m}}<ref name="gearth"/>
| height           = <!-- {{convert| }} -->
| diameter         = <!-- {{convert| }} -->
| other dimensions = Façade facing northwest
| floor count      = 2
| floor area       = {{convert|3000|sqm|abbr=on}}<ref name="eighth">{{Cite web|title=The Eighth Cathedral 1958 - Present |website=Manila Cathedral |url=https://www.manilacathedral.com.ph/eight.aspx |access-date=February 20, 2023}}</ref>
| dome quantity    = 1
| dome height outer = <!-- {{convert| }} -->
| dome height inner = <!-- {{convert| }} -->
| dome dia outer   = <!-- {{convert| }} -->
| dome dia inner   = <!-- {{convert| }} -->
| tower quantity   = 1
| tower height     = {{convert|55|m|sp=us}}<ref>{{Cite web|title=TECHNICAL ASPECT OF ADOBE STONE RESTORATION OF THE HISTORIC MANILA CATHEDRAL |url=https://www.academia.edu/60915088 |date=2017 |access-date=April 4, 2023 |last1=Reyes |first1=Maria Bernardita M. }}</ref>
| materials        = [[Adobe]] and [[cement]]
| bells            = 23<ref>{{Cite news|title=Simple Blessing of 23 Complete Carillon Bells |url=http://manilacathedral.com.ph/article?id=12 |website=Manila Cathedral |access-date=March 16, 2023}}</ref>
| bells hung       = 
| bell weight      = <!-- {{long ton|0| }} -->
| parish           = <!-- Immaculate Conception --> <!-- This cathedral is NOT a parish -->
| deanery          = [[Ermita Church|Nuestra Señora de Guia]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rcam.org/our-parishes/vicariate-of-nuestra-senora-de-guia/|title=Vicariate of Nuestra Senora de Guia|website=Archdiocese of Manila|access-date=February 27, 2021}}</ref>
| archdeaconry     = 
| episcopalarea    = 
| archdiocese      = [[Archdiocese of Manila|Manila]]
| metropolis       = [[Archdiocese of Manila|Manila]]
| diocese          = 
| province         = [[Archdiocese of Manila|Manila]]
| presbytery       = 
| synod            = 
| circuit          = 
| district         = 
| division         = 
| subdivision      = 
| archbishop       = [[Cardinal (Catholic Church)|Cardinal]] [[Jose Advincula]]
| bishop           = 
| auxiliary bishop = 
| abbot            = 
| prior            = 
| subprior         = 
| exarch           = 
| provost-rector   = 
| provost          = 
| viceprovost      = 
| rector           = Rolando <!-- Ramos --> R. Dela Cruz
| vicar            = Vicente Gabriel <!-- San Jose --> S.J. Bautista
| dean             = 
| subdean          = 
| archpriest       = 
| precentor        = 
| succentor        = 
| chancellor       = Isidro T. Marinay<ref>{{Cite news|title=New chancellor and vice-chancellor for the Archdiocese of Manila named |first=Leslie Ann |last=Aquino |work=[[Manila Bulletin]] |date=November 5, 2021 |url=https://mb.com.ph/2021/11/04/new-chancellor-and-vice-chancellor-for-the-archdiocese-of-manila-named/ |access-date=June 7, 2023}}</ref>
| canonchancellor  = 
| canon            = 
| canonpastor      = 
| canonmissioner   = 
| canontreasurer   = 
| prebendary       = 
| priestincharge   = 
| priest           = 
| asstpriest       = 
| honpriest        = 
| curate           = 
| asstcurate       = 
| nonstipendiaryminister = 
| minister         = 
| assistant        = 
| seniorpastor     = 
| pastor           = 
| chaplain         = 
| archdeacon       = 
| deacon           = 
| deaconess        = 
| reader           = 
| student intern   = 
| organistdom      = 
| director         = 
| organist         = {{plainlist|
* Raphael Martin Yu Andaya
* Martin Inanuran
}}
| organscholar     = 
| chapterclerk     = 
| laychapter       = 
| warden           = 
| verger           = 
| businessmgr      = 
| liturgycoord     = 
| reledu           = 
| rcia             = 
| youthmin         = 
| flowerguild      = 
| musicgroup       = Manila Cathedral-Basilica Choir
| parishadmin      = 
| serversguild     = 
| sacristan        = 
| logo             = Manila-Cathedral-logo-horizontal.svg
| logosize         = 
| logolink         = 
| logoalt          = Logo of the Manila Cathedral
| embedded         = 
}}

The '''Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception''',{{efn|{{langx|fil|Basilika Menor at Kalakhang Katedral ng Kalinis-linisang Paglilihi}}; {{langx|es|Basílica Menor y Catedral Metropolitana de la Inmaculada Concepción}}}} commonly known as the '''Manila Cathedral''',{{efn|{{langx|fil|Katedral ng Maynila}}; {{langx|es|Catedral de Manila}}}} is a [[Basilicas in the Catholic Church|Roman Catholic basilica]] and [[cathedral church]] of the [[Archdiocese of Manila]]. It is dedicated to the [[Blessed Virgin Mary]] of the [[Immaculate Conception]], the principal [[patron saint|Patroness]] of the [[Philippines]].

Originally constructed in 1571 as a [[parish church]] under the [[Archdiocese of Mexico]],  it became a separate diocese on February 6, 1579, via the [[papal bull]] {{lang|la|Illius Fulti Præsido}} by [[Pope Gregory XIII]].<ref name="First">{{Cite web|title=The First Cathedral 1581 - 1583 |website=Manila Cathedral |url=https://www.manilacathedral.com.ph/first.aspx |access-date=March 16, 2023}}</ref> The original structure dates from 1581 and its 8th building re—construction was completed in 1958.<ref name="eighth" />

The basilica has merited three Apostolic Visits from Popes [[Pope Paul VI|Paul VI]], [[Pope John Paul II|John Paul II]] and [[Pope Francis|Francis]]. On April 27, 1981, Pope John Paul II raised the shrine to the status of [[Minor Basilica]] through his [[motu proprio]] {{lang|la|Quod Ipsum Manilensis}}.<ref name="Quod">{{Cite web|date=April 27, 1981 |url=https://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_letters/1981/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_19810427_quod-ipsum_lt.html |title=Quod Ipsum |lang=la}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Roman Catholic Cathedral of Manila historical marker (corrected).jpg|thumb|left|Church [[National Historical Commission of the Philippines|PHC]] historical marker installed in 1958]]

=== Parochial church (1571)===
The [[Secular clergy|Secular priest]] Father Juan de Vivero baptized [[Rajah Matanda]] and arrived in [[Manila Bay]] in 1566, established the "Church of Manila" established in 1571.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.manila.gov.ph/cityhistory.htm |title=History of the City |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008020904/http://www.manila.gov.ph/cityhistory.htm |archive-date=October 8, 2011 |website=City of Manila |access-date=November 24, 2011}}</ref>  The former [[Archbishop of Mexico]], [[Alonso de Montúfar]] sent De Vivero, chaplain of the [[galleon]]  ''San Gerónimo'', to establish Christianity as the spiritual and religious administration in newly colonized Philippines. De Vivero later became [[vicar-general]] and the first ecclesiastical judge of Manila.<ref name="Church" />

The Spanish conquistador, [[Miguel López de Legazpi]] chose the church's location and placed it under the patronage of [[Pudentiana|Santa Potenciana]]. The church's first parish priest was Fray Juan de Villanueva.<ref name="Church">{{Cite web|url=http://www.manilacathedral.org/History/history.htm |title=The Church before it became a Cathedral : 1571 |website=Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica |access-date=November 24, 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111021041327/http://www.manilacathedral.org/History/history.htm |archivedate=October 21, 2011 |url-status=usurped}}</ref>

===First cathedral (1581–1583)===
The church was elevated to a cathedral in 1579, coinciding with the canonical erection of the [[Archdiocese of Manila|Diocese of Manila]]. In 1581, [[Domingo de Salazar]], the first-ever bishop of Manila, constructed a new building made from [[nypa fruticans|nipa]], wood and [[bamboo]] that was consecrated on December 21, 1581, formally becoming a cathedral. The building was destroyed by a fire that started during the funeral of [[Governor-General of the Philippines|Governor-General]] [[Gonzalo Ronquillo de Peñalosa]] at [[San Agustin Church, Manila|San Agustin Church]] and razed much of the city.<ref name="First"/>

===Second cathedral (1592–1600) ===
The second cathedral, which was made of stone, was built in 1592. This cathedral had a central [[nave]] and two collateral naves. The building was nearly completed when Bishop Salazar left for Spain. He died on December 4, 1594, and never returned to Manila to become its first archbishop.<ref name="second2" />

In 1595, the [[Holy See]] gave the cathedral sacred [[relic]]s from 155 martyrs, 20 popes, [[Saint Polycarp]] and [[Saint Potenciana]], and these were taken to Manila. A side structure was built beside the main cathedral to house the relics. Governor-General [[Juan Niño de Tabora]] and his wife Doña Magdalena Saldivar y Medoza built another collateral structure to shelter subsequent relics.<ref name="second2">{{Cite web|title=The Second Cathedral 1591 - 1600 |url=https://www.manilacathedral.com.ph/second.aspx |website=Manila Cathedral |access-date=March 14, 2023}}</ref>

By 1597, the cathedral buildings were unfinished; it lacked a [[Chapter house|chapter hall]], [[baptistry]], [[bell tower]], and [[cloister]]. On December 31, 1600, the cathedral was destroyed by an earthquake.<ref name="second2" />

===Third cathedral (1614–1645)===
Archbishop [[Miguel de Benavides]] initiated the reconstruction of the cathedral. After his death in 1605, the project was passed on to his successor [[Diego Vázquez de Mercado]]. By 1607, the cathedral was in such a poor state it was abandoned.<ref name="third3">{{Cite web|title=The Third Cathedral 1614&ndash;1645 |url=https://www.manilacathedral.com.ph/third.aspx |website=Manila Cathedral |access-date=March 14, 2023}}</ref> The third cathedral structure, consisting of three naves and seven chapels, was built in 1614, largely using donated funds from the fourth dean Don Francisco Gomez de Arellano. The seven chapels were built from donations given by the cathedral's patrons.<ref name="third3" /> On August 1, 1621, an earthquake caused serious damage to the cathedral's structure. Between 1641 and 1645, the cathedral was reconstructed but it was destroyed by a [[1645 Luzon earthquake|series of earthquakes in November and December 1645]].<ref name="third3" />

===Fourth cathedral (1671–1751)===
Reconstruction of the cathedral started after the arrival of [[Miguel de Poblete Casasola]], the eighth Archbishop of Manila. The cornerstone of the fourth structure was laid on April 20, 1654. By 1659, the cathedral was nearly completed; the naves were enclosed and some halls were completed. In 1662, the main altar was built out of [[Vitex parviflora|molave wood]]. The cathedral, which was made of quarried stone, [[Lime (material)|lime]] and gravel, was blessed on June 7, 1662.<ref name="fourth4">{{Cite web|title=The Fourth Cathedral 1681 - 1751 |url=https://www.manilacathedral.com.ph/fourth.aspx |website=Manila Cathedral |access-date=March 14, 2023}}</ref> In 1750, the [[Grand Duchy of Tuscany|Florentine]] friar Juan de Uguccioni added a ''media naranja'' ("half orange") dome to the crossing and introduced a [[transept]] to the structure.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dome|url=http://manilacathedral.ph/dome/|website=Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica|access-date=February 4, 2015|date=July 22, 2014|archive-date=February 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204141308/http://manilacathedral.ph/dome/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Following several earthquakes and typhoons, the fourth cathedral was demolished in 1751.<ref name="fifth5">{{Cite web|title=The Fifth Cathedral 1760 - 1852 |url=https://www.manilacathedral.com.ph/fifth.aspx |website=Manila Cathedral |access-date=March 14, 2023}}</ref>

===Fifth cathedral (1760–1852)===
[[File:Manila Cathedral (1792) by Brambila.jpg|thumb|left|The fifth cathedral in 1792, by [[Fernando Brambila]]]]

Work on the fifth cathedral building started after the demolition of its predecessor. Uguccioni's designs brought major changes; the three-nave design was retained but the chapels were reduced. The fifth cathedral, which closely resembled the [[Church of the Gesù]] in [[Rome]], was inaugurated on December 8, 1760;<ref name="fifth5"/> since then, there had been no modifications or alterations to the structure except for some minor repairs. The cathedral, particularly the dome structure, was repaired in 1839.<ref name="fifth5"/> It survived the [[British occupation of Manila]] but underwent repairs. It was damaged by an earthquake on September 16, 1852.<ref name="fifth5"/>

===Sixth cathedral (1858–1863)===
Bidding for the cathedral reconstruction was conducted in 1854 and the sixth structure was opened on March 31, 1858.<ref name="sxith6" /> The building had a new [[Neoclassical architecture|Neoclassical]] façade, which was used for the seventh and eighth structures. The sixth cathedral replaced the [[Baroque architecture|Baroque]] façade of the fifth cathedral and the truncated or box-like [[cupola]] was replaced with a circular dome.<ref name="sxith6" />

On June 3, 1863, the sixth cathedral was damaged by a [[1863 Manila earthquake|very strong earthquake]] that also damaged the [[Palacio del Gobernador|palace of the Governor General of the Philippines]]. Many called for the building's demolition and clearing of the site. Architect Don Antonio Moraleda proposed to demolish and clear the ruins but the plan was put on hold in 1866. The plan was renewed in 1868, when architect Vicente Serrano y Salaverri was commissioned to inspect and undertake a study of the ruins. Serrano concluded the cathedral ruins must be demolished and this occurred in 1870.<ref name="sxith6">{{Cite web|title=The Sixth Cathedral 1858&ndash;1863 |url=https://www.manilacathedral.com.ph/sixth.aspx |website=Manila Cathedral |access-date=March 14, 2023}}</ref>

===Seventh cathedral (1879–1945)===
[[File:Manila Cathedral before the 1880 earthquake.jpg|thumb|left|The seventh cathedral in 1880 prior to the earthquake which destroyed its [[Bell tower|belfry]]]]

The seventh cathedral was constructed from 1873 to 1879, and was consecrated on December 7, 1879. The cross atop the central dome is a reference point of astronomical longitudes of the archipelago. In 1880, [[1880 Luzon earthquakes|another earthquake]] toppled the building's [[bell tower]], which had survived the 1863 earthquake, rendering the cathedral towerless until 1958.<ref name="seventh">{{Cite web|title=The Seventh Cathedral 1879 - 1945 |url=https://www.manilacathedral.com.ph/seventh.aspx |website=Manila Cathedral |access-date=March 14, 2023}}</ref> During the [[Philippine Revolution]] of 1896, Archbishop [[Bernardino Nozaleda y Villa]] opened the cathedral to Spanish soldiers who sought refuge. During the [[Philippine–American War]], American soldiers converted the cathedral into a hospital for their wounded soldiers.<ref name="seventh" />

[[File:Manila Cathedral after.jpg|thumb|The cathedral ruins after the war]]

In 1937, the [[International Eucharistic Congress]] was held in the Philippines; Manila Cathedral played a role in promoting [[eucharistic]] beliefs. A cathedral stamp and medal were unveiled to commemorate the event; these were made by the official manufacturer of medals for the [[Congress of the Philippines]] sculptor Críspulo Zamora.<ref>{{Cite web|date=April 28, 2012 |url=http://pinoyshooter.org/bogs/2012/04/manila-cathedral/ |title=The Resilient Cathedral of Manila |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521053319/http://pinoyshooter.org/bogs/2012/04/manila-cathedral/ |archive-date=May 21, 2013 |website=The Philippines And Then Some}}</ref> In 1945, during the [[Battle of Manila (1945)|Battle of Manila]], Japanese forces destroyed the seventh cathedral in a [[Scorched earth|scorched-earth defense]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Scott |first1=James M. |title=Rampage MacArthur, Yamashita, and the Battle of Manila |date=2018 |publisher=W.W.Norton and Company |location=New York |isbn=978-0-393-24694-0 |page=239}}</ref>

===Eighth cathedral (1958–present)===
[[File:Manila Cathedral right side 2024-05-19.jpg|thumb|right|The eighth and present cathedral structure, viewed from the right of the main façade]]
<!--[[File:Il cardinale Luis Antonio Tagle accanto all'icona di S. Cesario di G. Guida, Cattedrale di Manila.jpg|thumb|left|Reliquary-calendar with fragment bone of [[Caesarius of Terracina]], deacon and martyr, Manila Cathedral. In photo, Cardinal [[Luis Antonio Tagle]] next the new icon of Saint Caesarius|alt=]]-->

After the Second World War, archbishops [[Michael J. O'Doherty]] and [[Gabriel Reyes]] planned to transfer the seat of the Archdiocese of Manila to [[Mandaluyong]]. The plan was dropped when the cathedral was reconstructed under Cardinal [[Rufino Jiao Santos|Rufino Santos]], under the supervision of [[Kapampangan people|Kapampangan]] architect [[Fernando Ocampo]]. The first cornerstone of the eighth cathedral was blessed and laid by Cardinal [[Fernando Quiroga Palacios]], the [[Archdiocese of Santiago de Compostela|Archbishop of Santiago de Compostela]] and [[papal legate]] of [[Pope Pius XII]], on December 8, 1954. The building was consecrated on December 7, 1958, and the [[high altar]] was consecrated on December 10 that year.<ref name="eighth" />

[[File:MNL Cathedral cornerstone 2023-05-14.jpg|thumb|left|Marker identifying the first spot of the [[cornerstone]] of the eighth structure laid in 1954. It was unveiled on April 27, 2022, the 41st anniversary of the cathedral's elevation to a [[minor basilica]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=Exhibit marks Manila Cathedral's 41st anniversary as minor basilica |url=https://cbcpnews.net/cbcpnews/exhibit-marks-manila-cathedrals-41st-anniversary-as-minor-basilica/ |website=CBCP News |date=April 27, 2022 |access-date=April 19, 2023}}</ref>]]
[[Pope Paul VI]] made an apostolic visit and celebrated Mass at the cathedral on November 27, 1970.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mass in the Cathedral of Manila - Homily of the Holy Father Paul VI |url=https://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/homilies/1970/documents/hf_p-vi_hom_19701127.html |date=November 27, 1970 |access-date=March 14, 2023}}</ref> [[Pope John Paul II]] also celebrated Mass in the cathedral on February 17, 1981, during his first papal visit to the country,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Holy Mass in the Cathedral of Manila - Homily of His Holiness John Paul II |url=https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/homilies/1981/documents/hf_jp-ii_hom_19810217_manila-filippine.html |date=February 17, 1981 |access-date=March 14, 2023}}</ref> and issued a [[papal bull]] {{lang|la|Quod Ipsum Manilensis}} elevating the cathedral to a minor basilica through his own {{lang|la|[[motu proprio]]}} on April 27, 1981.<ref name="Quod"/>  In the same papal bull, John Paul II restated Paul VI's papal decree of June 6, 1968, should be eternally preserved and enforced to the merits and titles of the cathedral as its own basilica.<ref>{{Cite web|date=1968 |url=https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/AAS%2060%20%5B1968%5D%20-%20ocr.pdf |title=Acta Apostolicae Sedis – Commentarium Oficiale |pages=536–539 |website=The Vatican Archives |access-date=February 3, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=1990 |url=https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/AAS%2082%20%5B1990%5D%20-%20ocr.pdf |title=Acta Apostolicae Sedis – Commentarium Oficiale – Ioannem Paulum Secundum, Papam. Decretum de Titulo Basilicae Minoris |pages=436–440 |website=The Vatican Archives |access-date=February 3, 2012}}</ref>

The [[golden jubilee]] of the Manila Cathedral's post-war restoration was celebrated in 2008 with the second Manila Cathedral Pipe Organ Festival from December 2 to 10, which was organized by the [[Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=April 29, 2008 |url=http://www.gmanews.tv/story/92157/Activities-lined-up-for-Manila-Cathedrals-50th-restoration-anniversary |title=Activities lined up for Manila Cathedral's 50th restoration anniversary |work=[[GMA News Online]]}}</ref> The cathedral's [[pipe organ]] was built by Dutch organ builder [[Pels & Zoon]] in 1958<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pipe Organ |url=https://www.manilacathedral.com.ph/pipeorgan |website=Manila Cathedral |access-date=May 2, 2023}}</ref> and consists of 5,584 pipes,<ref>{{cite web |title=Manila Cathedral - Basilica |url=https://www.orgph.com/organs/manila-cathedral-basilica |website=Organographia Philipiniana |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216092144/https://www.orgph.com/organs/manila-cathedral-basilica |archive-date=December 16, 2019}}</ref> is the largest church organ in Southeast Asia.<ref>{{cite news |title=Manila Cathedral Restores Pipe Organ On Silver Jubilee As Basilica |url=https://www.ucanews.com/story-archive/?post_name=/2006/12/04/manila-cathedral-restores-pipe-organ-on-silver-jubilee-as-basilica&post_id=28615 |access-date=February 15, 2024 |work=[[Union of Catholic Asian News]] |date=December 3, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215204055/https://www.ucanews.com/story-archive/?post_name=/2006/12/04/manila-cathedral-restores-pipe-organ-on-silver-jubilee-as-basilica&post_id=28615 |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |language=en}}</ref>

In February 2011, the cathedral's bells were moved to the ground level to prevent the bell tower from collapsing as had earlier towers in past earthquakes. In January 2012, the bells were replaced with new ones that were cast by blacksmith [[Friedrich Wilhelm Schilling]] from [[Heidelberg]], Germany, in 1958. According to the new marker installed by Cardinal [[Gaudencio Rosales]], the newly installed bells are the largest bells that are in active use in the Philippines. Seven [[carillon bell]]s weighing {{convert|17|metric ton|sp=us}} were permanently installed in the ground level of the belfry.{{efn|Official Stone Marker at the Manila Cathedral. Publicly installed by Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales, former Archbishop of Manila (2011). Located on the left side of the front door of the Basilica.}}

====Restoration (2012–2014)====
In 2010, the cathedral failed the standards of the National Structural Code of the Philippines as cracks were detected in some critical sections. After Cardinal [[Luis Antonio Tagle]] assumed his post as Archbishop of Manila in December 2011, one of his first decisions was to close the cathedral.<ref name="renov-costs" /> Following the [[2012 Negros earthquake]] and structural concerns, the cathedral temporarily closed on February 7 for repairs, [[earthquake retrofit]]ting and [[subsidence]] prevention.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/34839/manila-cathedral-to-be-closed-for-one-year | title=Manila Cathedral to be closed for one year |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]]| access-date=February 16, 2012 |first=Jocelyn R. |last=Uy |date=February 14, 2012}}</ref> During this time, [[Paco Church]] was designated as the [[pro-cathedral]] of the Archdiocese of Manila.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Cathedral closed; Paco church site of main Lenten rites |url=https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/philippine-daily-inquirer-1109/20120401/281539402925154 |first=Jerome |last=Aning |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]] |date=April 1, 2012 |access-date=March 8, 2024}}</ref>

Restoration was expected to be completed in 2013 but the initial deadline was missed.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.solarnews.ph/news/metro/2013/12/11/manila-cathedral-still-remains-under-repair | title=Manila Cathedral still remains under repair | first=Ivy | last=Saunar | work= Solar News | date=December 11, 2013 | access-date=December 17, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217031816/http://www.solarnews.ph/news/metro/2013/12/11/manila-cathedral-still-remains-under-repair | archive-date=December 17, 2013 | url-status=dead }}</ref> The cathedral's rector at the time, [[Monsignor]] Nestor Cerbo, stated that renovations would be finished by March 25, 2014. New features included [[closed-circuit television]] (CCTV) cameras, large, flat-screen television screens, improved audio-video systems, and improved interior and exterior LED lights.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.interaksyon.com/article/79041/manila-cathedral-to-open-in-march |title=Manila Cathedral to reopen in March |access-date=February 3, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140122055156/http://interaksyon.com/article/79041/manila-cathedral-to-open-in-march |archive-date=January 22, 2014 |url-status=dead |work=[[Interaksyon]] |first=Tricia |last=Aquino |date=January 20, 2014}}</ref> Restoration finished on the planned date and the Manila Cathedral was reopened to the general public on April 9, 2014. Archbishop Cardinal Tagle presided a Holy Mass that was attended by [[President of the Philippines|President]] [[Benigno Aquino III]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/356186/lifestyle/peopleandevents/manila-cathedral-reopens-after-two-years-of-reconstruction-work | title=Manila Cathedral reopens after two years of reconstruction work |work=[[GMA News Online]]| date=April 9, 2014 | access-date=April 10, 2014 |first=Rie |last=Takumi}}</ref>

<!--In the baptistery of Saint John the Baptist, at the left side of the vestibule from the side entrance, is preserved a reliquary-calendar containing 365 relics of the saints; at November 1 there is a bone fragment of [[Caesarius of Terracina]], the saint protectors of the emperors, who replaced and Christianized the cult of Julius Caesar. -->
[[File:Allan Jay Quesada - Manila Cathedral 001.jpg|thumb|upright=1.45|right|The cathedral and surrounding skyline at night, September 2019]]
On January 16, 2015, [[Pope Francis]] celebrated his first [[Papal Mass]] in the Philippines at the cathedral as part of [[Pope Francis's visit to the Philippines|his apostolic visit to the country]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Pope Francis in the Philippines: Dancing inmates and a Jeepney 'popemobile' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-30826126 |access-date=February 15, 2024 |work=[[BBC News]] |date=January 15, 2015}}</ref> Due to safety considerations, the Mass was closed to the public, accommodating only 2,000 bishops, priests, and religious persons.<ref name="capacity"/>

====60th post-war restoration anniversary (2017–2018)====
The year-long celebrations commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Manila Cathedral's post-war restoration began with the opening of a historical [[Exhibition|exhibit]] on December 8, 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Manila Cathedral marks 60th year of post-war construction Friday |first=Ferdinand |last=Patinio |date=December 7, 2017 |work=[[Philippine News Agency]] |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1018248 |access-date=March 8, 2024}}</ref> On December 18, the cathedral received a first-class blood [[relic]] of [[Pope John Paul II|Pope St. John Paul II]].<ref name="jpii"/> On October 27, 2018,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Letter of the Holy Father to the special envoy to the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the reconstruction and consecration of the Cathedral of Manila, Philippines |url=https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2018/12/01/181201b.html |date=December 1, 2018 |access-date=April 7, 2024 |website=[[Holy See]]}}</ref> Pope Francis appointed Cardinal [[Thomas Aquino Manyo Maeda]], then-[[Archdiocese of Osaka|Archbishop of Osaka]], as his [[papal legate]] for this occasion.<ref name="rededication" /> In a letter to Cardinal Maeda on December 1, Francis called the cathedral the "mother and head of the churches" in the Philippines. The pope further wrote in his letter:<ref>{{Cite news|title=Pope Francis calls PHL 'a great Catholic nation' |first=Anna Felicia |last=Bajo |work=[[GMA News Online]] |date=December 3, 2018 |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/676854/pope-francis-calls-phl-a-great-catholic-nation/story/ |access-date=March 8, 2024}}</ref>
{{Blockquote
|text="Indeed, this temple which has truly undergone great changes, destroyed seven times by earthquakes and other calamities through the centuries, was diligently rebuilt again and again by the faithful. Finally after being shattered by the Second World War, it was rebuilt from the ruins at the Lord's bidding."
|author=[[Pope Francis]]
}}

Cardinal Maeda celebrated a [[Patronal festival|fiesta]] Mass on December 8, 2018, [[concelebration|concelebrated]] with Cardinal [[Luis Antonio Tagle]] (then-Archbishop of Manila), Cardinal [[Gaudencio Rosales]] (Archbishop-Emeritus of Manila), and Archbishop [[Gabriele Giordano Caccia]] (then-Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines).<ref name="rededication" /> The pope, through Cardinal Maeda, imparted his [[apostolic blessing]] to the cathedral.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Pope's Envoy celebrates mass at Manila Cathedral on Dec. 8 |first1=Francine |last1=Ciasico |first2=Leslie Ann |last2=Aquino |first3=Christina |last3=Hermoso |url=https://mb.com.ph/2018/12/07/popes-envoy-celebrates-mass-at-manila-cathedral-on-dec-8/ |work=[[Manila Bulletin]] |date=December 7, 2018 |access-date=April 7, 2024}}</ref> On December 10, 2018, Cardinal Tagle rededicated the altar in accordance with the rites prescribed by the [[Second Vatican Council]];<ref name="rededication">{{Cite news|title=Rites set for Manila Cathedral's 60th anniversary |first1=Patrick |last1=Garcia |first2=Christina |last2=Hermoso |url=https://mb.com.ph/2018/12/06/rites-set-for-manila-cathedrals-60th-anniversary/ |work=[[Manila Bulletin]] |date=December 6, 2018 |access-date=November 24, 2023}}</ref> the dedication Mass was concelebrated by several bishops comprising the [[Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines]] (CBCP), including its [[President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines|president]] at the time and the [[Archdiocese of Davao|Archbishop of Davao]], [[Romulo Valles]], and Cardinal [[Orlando Quevedo]], [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cotabato|Archbishop-Emeritus of Cotabato]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=Bishops in show of force at cathedral rite |first=Tina G. |last=Santos |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]] |date=December 13, 2018 |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1062674/bishops-in-show-of-force-at-cathedral-rite |access-date=April 27, 2024}}</ref>

==Architecture and design==
[[File:ManilaCathedraljf0227 01.JPG|thumb|Inscription on the [[Tympanum (architecture)|tympanum]] of the main portal]]

The Manila Cathedral was built in the [[Latin cross]] (cruciform) layout. Its northwest [[façade]], which is built in the [[Neo-Romanesque]] architecture style, is a replica of the façade of the previous cathedral, along with statues of famous saints sculpted in Roman [[travertine]] stone. Several of the artworks inside the basilica were made by Italian artists. In the previous cathedral, the statues were originally made of [[Molave tree|molave]] wood. The statue of [[Rose of Lima]] was sculpted by [[Angelo Fattinanzi]]; [[Saint Jacob|Jacob]], [[Saint Andrew|Andrew]] and [[Anthony the Abbot]] were sculpted by [[Livia Papini]]; and [[Francis Xavier]] and [[Saint Polycarp|Polycarp]] were sculpted by [[Alcide Tico]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.manilacathedral.org/Architecture/archi_1.htm |title=Statues |website=Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106112955/http://www.manilacathedral.org/Architecture/archi_1.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2009 |access-date=November 24, 2011}}</ref>

Eight bronze panels sculpted by [[Alessandro Monteleone]] and [[Francesco Nagni]] dominate the central northwest doors of the cathedral. Each panel is {{convert|1.8|m|sp=us}} wide and {{convert|4.24|m|sp=us}} tall, depicting [[bas-relief]]s of the important events in the cathedral's history.<ref name="portal">{{Cite web|title=Portal |url=https://www.manilacathedral.com.ph/portal.aspx |website=Manila Cathedral |access-date=March 8, 2024}}</ref> The [[Tympanum (architecture)|tympanum]] above the central doors bears the Latin inscription {{lang|la|Tibi cordi tuo immaculato concredimus nos ac consecramus}} ("To thy [[Immaculate Heart of Mary|Immaculate Heart]], [[Consecration and entrustment to Mary|entrust us and consecrate us]]").<ref>{{Cite AV media|title=Manila Cathedral's Portal |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/ton70/3343605147 |access-date=March 8, 2024}}</ref> Two smaller doors on the left and right sides have also eight panels installed in each door, depicting invocations to the Blessed Virgin Mary.<ref name="portal" />

{{multiple image
|total_width = 230
|align = right
|direction = horizontal
|image1 = Manila Cathedral papal emblem 2024-06-23.jpg
|image2 = Papal arms at the Manila Cathedral clear version 2023-07-09.jpg
|footer = The papal arms were added in 1981 to signify the cathedral's status as a basilica.
}}

Since [[Pope John Paul II]]'s apostolic visit to the basilica in 1981, a medallion bearing the [[Papal regalia and insignia|papal arms]] has been placed beneath the cross of the façade and at the [[Crossing (architecture)|crossing]] above the high altar. The scarlet [[galero]]s of Cardinals [[Rufino Santos]] and [[Jaime Sin]] are also suspended from the dome's ceiling. A copy of the statue of [[St. Peter's Basilica]] titled ''Saint Peter Enthroned'' is placed across a [[polychrome]], life-sized statue of the [[Immaculate Conception]].

The bronze [[baptismal font]] and angel-shaped [[holy water font]]s were made by [[Publio Morbiducci]]. The prominent mosaic of [[Jude Thaddeus]] was made by Marcello Mazzoli. In 1964, Filipino artist [[Galo Ocampo]] designed and made most of the cathedral's 134 modern [[stained glass]] windows.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ortiguero|first=Romsanne|title=With more resilient foundation, Manila Cathedral is all set for Holy Week and Easter Masses|url=http://www.interaksyon.com/lifestyle/with-more-resilient-foundation-manila-cathedral-is-all-set-for-holy-week-and-easter-masses|work=[[Interaksyon]]|access-date=May 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140417202431/http://www.interaksyon.com/lifestyle/with-more-resilient-foundation-manila-cathedral-is-all-set-for-holy-week-and-easter-masses|archive-date=April 17, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The marble floors on the center aisle near the altar bears the coats of arms of four cardinal archbishops of Manila: Rufino Santos, Jaime Sin, Gaudencio Rosales, and Luis Antonio Tagle.

<gallery perrow="4" widths="175px">
File:Manila Cathedral - right side (Intramuros, Manila; 02-06-2021).jpg|Right side view of the façade, showing the [[patinated]] dome [[Kilometre Zero#Countries#Philippines|surmounted by a four-armed cross]]
File:Manila Cathedral central nave 2022-11-27.jpg|The central nave, looking towards the sanctuary
File:Manila Cathedral rib vaults and clerestory 2023-02-12.jpg|[[Rib vault]]s and [[clerestory]]
File:Manila Cathedral Pipe Organ 2024-04-07.jpg|[[Pipe organ]] and [[rose window]]
File:Manila Cathedral sanctuary 2023-05-28.jpg |The [[cathedra]], newer high altar, [[pulpit]], [[altar rail]], and the [[ciborium (architecture)|ciborium]]
File:Manila Cathedral iron reja 2023-10-01.jpg|Iron [[reja]]
File:Manila Cathedral canopy 2023-12-08.jpg|The older high altar and the image of the [[Immaculate Conception]]
File:Manila Cathedral dome 2023-05-28.jpg|Interior of the dome, with the suspended [[galero]] of Cardinals [[Rufino Santos]] and [[Jaime Sin]]
</gallery>

===Cathedra===
The [[cathedra]] or episcopal throne of the Archbishop of Manila was installed in 1958 during the postwar reconstruction. It is made of [[Mexican onyx]] and marble from [[Carrara, Italy]], and was designed and made by the Istituto Internazionale d’Arte Liturgica in Rome.<ref name="Patinio">{{cite web|last=Patinio|first=Ferdinand|title=Manila Cathedral all set to welcome new archbishop|url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1144397|work=[[Philippine News Agency]]|date=June 21, 2021|access-date=February 9, 2022}}</ref> The original cathedra bears the coat of arms of Rufino Santos before he was created a cardinal. His coat of arms and the Mexican onyx were covered by a stone until their restoration in 2021.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sonnen|first=John Paul|title=Cathedra of the Manila Cathedral Restored|url=https://www.liturgicalartsjournal.com/2021/04/cathedra-of-manila-cathedral-restored.html|publisher=Liturgical Arts Journal|date=April 8, 2021|access-date=February 9, 2022}}</ref>

The restored cathedra bears a carving of the coat of arms of Cardinal Jose Advincula, the present archbishop, imposed on top of white Indian marble.<ref name="Patinio"/>

{{Gallery
|title=
|width=160 | height=170
|align=
|File:983Manila Cathedral Intramuros Manila Landmarks 30.jpg
 |With the coat of arms of Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle before the 2021 restoration
|File:Manila Archdiocese Cathedra 2023-04-02.jpg
 |Restored cathedra with the coat of arms of Cardinal Jose Advincula in April 2023
}}

==Patroness==
Manila Cathedral is dedicated to the [[Blessed Virgin Mary]] under the title of the [[Immaculate Conception]], who is honored as the Principal Patroness of the Philippines. The {{convert|9|ft|m|adj=on}} bronze statue, which was designed by Italian sculptor Vincenzo Assenza (1915–1981), is located above the high altar.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Immaculate Conception image at Manila Cathedral 'restored' |first=Ferdinand |last=Patinio |date=April 29, 2021 |work=[[Philippine News Agency]] |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1138536 |access-date=March 16, 2023}}</ref>

Prior to 1988, the bronze statue was painted gold, though the twelve star [[Halo (religious iconography)|halo]]-aureola is made of  gold.<ref>{{Cite AV media|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/prazskejezulatko/461222205/in/photostream |title=Baldacchino Altar (1980s) |website=Flickr |access-date=February 3, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/dennisraymondm32/3706300901/in/faves-paulus_magnus/ |title=Manila Cathedral Ordination |website=Flickr |access-date=February 3, 2012}}</ref> Inscribed on the [[baldachin]] above the statue of the Immaculate Conception is the Latin [[antiphon]] {{lang|la|[[Tota pulchra es|Tota pulchra es, Maria, et macula originalis non est in Te]]}} ("Thou art all-beautiful, Mary, and the [[original sin|original stain]] [spot] (of sin) is not in thee").

In 1581, [[Pope Gregory XIII]] issued a [[papal bull]] consecrating the cathedral building to ''The Purest and Immaculate Conception of Mary''.<ref name="First"/> [[Miguel López de Legazpi]] consecrated the City of Manila to [[Pudentiana|Saint Potenciana]]. [[Pope Pius XII]], on September 12, 1942, reiterated this patronage for the Filipino people to {{lang|es|[[Immaculate Conception|La Purísima Inmaculada Concepción]]}} through the papal bull {{lang|la|Impositi Nobis Apostolici}}, while [[Saint Rose of Lima]] and [[Pudentiana|Saint Potenciana]] remained as the secondary patronesses of the Filipino people.<ref>{{Cite web|author=PP. Pius XII, Papam |author-link=Pope Pius XII |date=September 12, 1942 |url=https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/AAS%2034%20%5B1942%5D%20-%20ocr.pdf |title=Acta Apostolicae Sedis, Impositi Nobis: Insularum Philippinarum Beatissima Virgo Maria Titulo Immaculata Conceptio Primaria Universalisque Patrona et Sanctae Virgines Pudentiana ac Rosa Limana Patronae Secundarias Declarantur. |pages=336–337 |website=The Vatican Archives |access-date=February 3, 2012 |lang=la}}</ref> The same pope, through "{{lang|la|Quidquid ad Dilatandum}}", reiterated this declaration of patronage on July 16, 1958, through the chancellor of apostolic briefs Gildo Brugnola, who signed and executed the decree.<ref>{{cite journal |journal=Acta Apostolicae Sedis: Commentarium Officiale |series=III |title=Beata Maria Virgo Immaculata Eligitur Praecipua Apud Deum Patrona Pro Universo Vicariatu Castrensi Insularum Philippinarum |url=https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/AAS-51-1959-ocr.pdf |via=[[The Holy See]] |publisher=Typis Polyglottis Vaticanis |access-date=February 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518091713/https://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/documents/AAS-51-1959-ocr.pdf |archive-date=May 18, 2015 |page=32 |language=la |date=1959}}</ref>

The cathedral celebrates its liturgical feast every December 8, the [[Feast of the Immaculate Conception]].<ref name="60-exhibit">{{Cite news|title=Exhibit highlights Manila Cathedral through 60 years after World War II |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/951077/manila-cathedral-luis-antonio-tagle-gabriele-caccia-a-legacy-of-architecture-and-faith |first=Julie M. |last=Aurelio |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]] |date=December 10, 2017 |access-date=March 8, 2024}}</ref> 

{{Gallery
|title=
|width=160 | height=170
|align=
|File:Immaculate Conception at the Manila Cathedral 2023-12-03.jpg
 |A bronze life-sized polychromed statue of the [[Immaculate Conception]] located above the high altar.
|File:Immaculate Conception at the Manila Cathedral (002) 2023-12-08.jpg
 |The image decorated with a large [[Halo (religious iconography)|halo]] for its [[Feast of the Immaculate Conception|December 8 feast]] and the [[Christmas]] festivities (2023).
|File:Manila Cathedral (1) 2024-12-09.jpg
 |The image decorated for its 2024 fiesta. Inscribed on the halo is the Latin [[antiphon]] {{lang|la|[[Sub tuum praesidium|Sub tuum praesidium confugimus]]}} ("We fly to thy protection, O Holy Mother of God").
}}

==Cathedral rectors==

{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* Artemio Gabriel Casas (1956–1962)
* Jose C. Abriol (1962–1975)
* Augusto Pedrosa (1975–1985)
* Domingo A. Cirilos Jr. (1985–1996)
* Hernando M. Coronel (1996–2002)
* Nestor C. Cerbo (2002–2015)
* Reginald R. Malicdem (2015–2022)
* Rolando R. Dela Cruz (2022–present)
{{div col end}}

==Burials and funerals==
{{wide image|Mosaic Manila Cathedral Crypt.png|600px|align-cap=center|Mosaic at the cathedral's Crypt Chapel of [[Our Lady of Sorrows]]. The Latin text at the bottom, {{lang|la|Vos omnes oui transitis per viam attendite et vidette si est dolor sicut dolor meus.}} ''(O all you who walk by on the road, pay attention and see: if there be any sorrow like my sorrow.),'' was taken from the [[Book of Lamentations]] 1:12.}}
The cathedral [[crypt]] is the resting place for former Archbishops of Manila and other prelates, whose corpses are located underneath the church complex and accessible by a stairway to the right of the altar:<ref name="ManilaCathedral-Crypt">{{cite web |title=Crypt |url=http://manilacathedral.com.ph/crypt.aspx |website=The Manila Cathedral |access-date=February 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820004842/http://manilacathedral.com.ph/crypt.aspx |archive-date=August 20, 2017}}</ref>

*[[Michael J. O'Doherty]],<ref name="ManilaCathedral-Crypt" /> the last foreign archbishop of Manila
*[[Gabriel Reyes|Gabriel M. Reyes]],<ref name="ManilaCathedral-Crypt" /> the first [[Filipino people|Filipino]] archbishop of Manila
*Cardinal [[Rufino Santos|Rufino J. Santos]],<ref name="ManilaCathedral-Crypt" /> the first Filipino [[cardinal (Catholicism)|cardinal]]
*Cardinal [[Jaime Sin|Jaime L. Sin]], a prominent leader of the 1986 [[People Power Revolution]]<ref>{{cite news |last1=Frialde |first1=Mike |title=Thousands bid farewell to Cardinal Sin |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2005/06/29/283977/thousands-bid-farewell-cardinal-sin |access-date=February 15, 2024 |work=[[The Philippine Star]] |date=June 29, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215090504/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2005/06/29/283977/thousands-bid-farewell-cardinal-sin |archive-date=December 15, 2018}}</ref>
*[[Ambrose Agius|Dom Ambrose Agius]], bishop and apostolic delegate to the Philippines (until 1945; remains transferred to the [[Our Lady of Montserrat Abbey|Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat]], [[Mendiola Street]], [[Manila]])

Three former Presidents were permitted to [[lying in state|lie in state]] under the cathedral dome:
*[[Emilio Aguinaldo]], 1st president of the Philippines (1899–1901) (d. 1964)
*[[Carlos P. Garcia]], 8th president of the Philippines (1957–1961) (d. 1971)
*[[Corazon Aquino|Corazon C. Aquino]], 11th president of the Philippines (1986–1992) (d. 2009)

President Aguinaldo was the first president to have a requiem mass held in the restored cathedral. Although he was a Freemason and was closely associated with the [[Aglipayan Church]], his remains were taken to the cathedral and laid beneath the dome on February 14, 1964. Cardinal [[Rufino Santos]] officiated the [[Requiem Mass]] before the remains were taken to the [[National Museum of Fine Arts (Manila)|Legislative Building]] for the state vigil.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://archive.org/details/in-memoriam-emilio-aguinaldo/mode/2up|title=In Memoriam Emilio Aguinaldo |access-date=July 11, 2022 }}</ref> President Garcia was the first [[Catholic laity|layman]] to lie in state and have his requiem mass officiated at the cathedral; President Aquino was the third layperson and the first woman given this honor during [[Death and funeral of Corazon Aquino|her funeral]]. These three funerals broke with centuries of tradition that reserved the right of lying in state beneath the dome to Archbishops of Manila alone.<ref>{{cite news |first=Manolo |last=Quezon |title=Notes on the Aquino funeral |url=http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20090813-220022/Notes-on-the-Aquino-funeral |date=August 13, 2009 |access-date=August 15, 2009 |newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]]|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090814162949/http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20090813-220022/Notes-on-the-Aquino-funeral |archive-date=August 14, 2009 }}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Philippines|Catholicism}}
*[[:commons:Category:Manila_Cathedral-Basilica_Re-Opening_(April_9,_2014_Eucharist_after_Restoration_and_Retrofitting)|Manila Cathedral-Basilica Re-Opening (April 9, 2014, Eucharist after Restoration and Retrofitting)]]
*[[Archdiocese of Manila]]
*[[Catholic Church in the Philippines]]
*[[Intramuros]]
*[[List of cathedrals in the Philippines]]
*[[List of Catholic basilicas]]
*[[San Agustin Church (Manila)|San Agustin Church]]

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Commons category-inline}}
* {{Official website|http://manilacathedral.com.ph/}}
* {{Facebook|themanilacathedral}}

{{Intramuros}}
{{Manila archdiocese}}
{{Roman Catholic churches in Manila}}
{{Manila attractions}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Roman Catholic churches in Manila]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic cathedrals in the Philippines]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Intramuros]]
[[Category:Cultural Properties of the Philippines in Metro Manila]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Manila]]
[[Category:Romanesque Revival church buildings in the Philippines]]
[[Category:Basilica churches in the Philippines]]
[[Category:Roman Catholic churches completed in 1958]]
[[Category:20th-century Roman Catholic church buildings in the Philippines]]
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[[Category:Jubilee churches in the Philippines]]
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