Saint Andrew Cathedral, Paranaque

I visited the Church of Parañaque a few months ago as part of my passion to visit (and take pictures) of the different Roman Catholic Churches in the Philippines, preferably those that are more than 50 years old (heritage). I also tend to visit the oldest church of a town that is usually located in the Poblacion or town proper. The oldest one I could find in Parañaque is the Cathedral of Saint Andrew.

There are several markets on the façade of Saint Andrew Cathedral:

Church of Parañaque

The first Catholic Missionary of Parañaque was the Rev. Diego de Espinal, O.S.A., companion of Salcedo in the reconnaissance of Camarines. The veneration for Nuestra Señora del Buen Suceso at Paranaque dates from 1625. The church and the convent were built by the Rev. Dionisio Suarez, O.S.A., parish priest from 1638 to 1650. This church was administered by the eminent historian, the Rev. Joaquin Martinez de Zuñiga, O.S.A., from 1801 to 1806. Paranaque is the birthplace of the Filipino botanist, the Rev. Ignacio Mercado, O.S.A.

1939

The Cathedral of St. Andrew

On December 7, 2002 His Holiness Pope John Paul II created the Diocese of Parañaque from the southernmost parishes of the Archdiocese of Manila. St Andrew’s Church, the oldest church in the diocese, was chosen as the seat of the bishop. Dedication of the cathedral took place on January 25, 2003. The first bishop of Parañaque, Most Rev. Jesse E. Mercado, D.D. was installed on January 28. 2003. Rev. Msgr. Manuel G. Gabriel, rector and parish priest spearheaded the renovation of the cathedral from 2009-2010. On the occasion of the 430^th Founding Anniversary of the parish of St. Andrew, the renovated cathedral was blessed on May 22, 2010.

2011

Diocesan Shrine of Nuestra Señora Del Buen Suceso

Recognizing the deep and loving devotion of the People of Parañaque particularly the Christian communities of La Huerta, San Dionisio, San Antonio Tramo and Don Galo for the Blessed Virgin Mary since her image was enthroned in this Church on August 10, 1625, the St. Andrew’s Parish Church, while being the Cathedral of St. Andrew the Apostle Protokletos has been constituted and declared Diocesan Shrine of Nuestra Señora del Buen Suceso by his Excellency, Most Rev. Jesse E. Mercado, D.D., Bishop of Parañaque on the 10^th day of August in the year of our Lord, 2012.

As Diocesan Shrine, this Church will be pilgrimage site for devotees desiring to invoke the name of the Virgin Mary, Nuestra Señora del Buen Suceso (Our Lady of Good Events) and ask for her intercession. Plenary indulgence for pilgrims is granted under the following condition: Reception of the sacrament of Reconciliation, Worthy reception of Communion and Prayers offered for the intentions of the Holy Father.

May those who visit this Shrine pray for unity of Christ’s Holy Church; grow deeply in faith through Mary’s Fiat who is “full of grace”, obedient and Faithful to God’s will, and may follow Christ as his faithful disciples.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

There is also a market for Padre Pedro Dandan y Masangkay

Pari ng mga naghihimagsik at isa sa mga kampeon sa Pilipinismo. Isinilang sa Palanyag, Rizal (ngayo’s Parañaque, Metro Manila). Kagawad ng Orden ng mga Sekular. Nasangkot sa Cavity Mutiny kasama nina Padre Jose Burgos, Mariano Gomes, Jacinto Zamora at iba pa noong Enero 20, 1872. Ipinatapon sa Pulo ng Marianas lulan ng Flores de Maria, Marso 14, 1872. Bumalik sa Pilipinas at nagging pangalawang Punong Kantor (kinatawan ng Punong Kantor) prebendado at coadjutor ng Arsobispo sa Katedral ng Maynila, 1895-1896. Sumapi sa pangkat ni Hen. Licerio Geronimo sa Bundok Puray, Montalban. Nahalal na pangulo sa kapulungan ng pamahalaang pangkagawaran ng Gitnang Luson. Sumapi rin sa pangkat ni Hen. Emiliano Riego de Dios at Hen. Crispulo Aguinaldo. Namatay noong 1897.

Let me try to roughly translate it in English for our foreign readers:

Father Pedro Dandan y Masangkay

Priest of the revolutionists and one of the champions of Filipinism. Born in Palanyag, Rizal (now Parañaque, Metro Manila). Councilor of the Order of the Seculars. Involved in the Cavite Mutiny along with Fathers Jose Burgos, Mariano Gomes, Jacinto Zamora and others on January 20, 1872. He was exiled in the Marianas Island aboard the Flores de Maria in March 14, 1872. He returned to the Philippines and became the Second Chief Kantor (representative of the Chief Kantor) Prebendado and Coadjutor of the Archbishop in the Manila Cathedral, 1895-1896. He joined the group of Gen. Licerio Geronimo in Puray Mountain, Montalban. Elected President of the Convention of Local (or State) Department in Central Luzon. He also joined the group of Gen. Emiliano Riego de Dios and Gen. Crispulo Aguinaldo. Died in 1897.

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