Significance Of The San Nicolas de Tolentino Church In Pasil

​Cebu is home to some of the oldest churches in the country. While the most famous church on the island is the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu, there is also a lesser-known yet historically-significant church in the Queen City of the South. Aside from playing a significant part in the history of Cebu, the San Nicolas de Tolentino Church is also one of the oldest churches in the archipelago.

San Nicolas de Tolentino Church in Pasil – image source: y101fm.com

San Nicolas de Tolentino Church in Pasil

The San Nicolas de Tolentino Church is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. It is located along C. Padilla Street in Pasil. It is a block away from the Taboan Market and right across the Pasil Fish Market. The church was built based on an ancient pintakasi arrangement wherein the faithful worked voluntarily. Some would also contribute materials used in the construction of the church. 

San Nicolas Plaza – image source: g1d.me

The church featured a 34-meter belfry and a parochial house. But, it was damaged following a storm in 1912 and an earthquake in 1922. American air raids during the Second World War saw the whole church destroyed with the exception of a wall facing Lakandula Street. It was rebuilt through the efforts of the Knights of Columbus under the guidance of Fr. Venerando Reynes.

Features

The San Nicolas de Tolentino Church features a multi-colored tile mosaic of the twelve apostles made by Fidel Araneta. The colorful tiles were imported from Italy.  The Blessed Virgin Mary serves as the backdrop of the altar in the church. It also features stained glass renditions of the Stations of the Cross. In addition, the interior features old decorative corbels that may have existed during the early years of the church.

Celebrating The Kaplag Festival – image source: philstar.com

The Flores de Mayo that was held at the church used to be grander compared to the one hosted by the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. It now hosts the annual Kaplag Festival. The festival celebrates the discovery of the image of the Holy Child following the arrival of Legazpi in Cebu. In addition, a reenactment of the baptism of Rajah Tupas is also held at the church.

Historical Significance

The San Nicolas de Tolentino Church in Pasil is the second oldest church in Cebu. It was established 19 years after Legazpi set foot in Cebu in 1584. It was named in honor of the patron saint of the souls in Purgatory, St. Nicholas of Tolentino, Italy. The place where the church stands is the exact location where Miguel Lopez de Legazpi established the Spanish settlement in Cebu. The settlement was named Cebu Viejo or Old Cebu. It is also the place where the Spanish expedition landed on April 17, 1565. 

Miguel Lopez de Legazpi – image source: Wikipedia.org

​The San Nicolas Parish became the center of the town of San Nicolas where most of native Cebuanos lived. Before the town was merged with Cebu City in 1901, the Pagina creek and El Pardo separated it from the ciudad. The town became the breeding ground for the revolutionaries who joined the 1898 revolution against Spain. 

San Nicolas de Tolentino Church in Pasil – image source: panoramio.com

​The San Nicolas de Tolentino Church in Pasil is not only significant to the history of Cebu, it is also played an important role in the cultural development of the island. It may not be as famous as the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu, but it is still reflects the deep faith of the people of Cebu. 

Have you visited the San Nicolas de Tolentino Church in Pasil already? Tell us about your visit on the comments section below.