Church of Malate

The Church of Malate was marked by the Historical Research and Markers Committee as a historical site since 1937. It has passed through the administration of the Augustinians, the Secular Clergy, the Redemptorists and the Columbans according to the Marker. Whoever administers the Church, matters little. What matters most is that, this is a Church that has served the spiritual needs of the Filipinos since 1588. It might have been greatly damaged by the earthquake of June 3, 1883 but the good news is, it was restored again by the people of God. Earthquakes, calamities, wars destroy, but faith rebuilds. 

We are living stones..." built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure , being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:20-22) 

If you pass by Roxas Boulevard from Ninoy Aquino International Airport, it is found right side of the road. It may not be as tall as the skyscrapers that has mushroomed in the area but you will not miss this old structure. It has a small plaza in front. Malate is a busy place. Old and new, good and bad, rich and poor coexist. It has witnessed the lives of Filipinos for almost 500 years. Christians, yes, but struggling Christians who go to Church every Sunday; some even go to Church everyday but remain far from living the life of Christ we are following.

Let us pray for each other that our faith may grow, remain strong, and above all be a living reality of our daily lives. Let us pray that the structures of sin and corruption may crumble to pieces and allow only the good, the true and the beautiful to remain. As we prepare for the fifth centenary of Evangelization in the Philippines, may our Christianity become more solid and faithful to Jesus' teachings. May this Year of the Poor bring us closer to the Beatitudes: "Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."