METRO MANILA | San Beda Church ~ The Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat

Sunday, October 16, 2011

The heavens finally decided that it would go ahead with the pending storm predicted by PAGASA and let it pour just as we were heading towards our final destination of the walk; the San Beda Church in Mendiola.

The Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat was totally unknown to me, being located inside the San Beda College. We were told by our walk leader that it was an awesome church worthy of the grandness of San Sebastian Minor Basilica. It must be quite something for it to even stand up side by side with Manila’s iron giant.

The church façade was almost nowhere to be seen as we passed the tree-lined avenue of Mendiola. Partly covered with old trees, I was unaware that we had already passed by the church until we took a turn and entered the abbey through a side door.

Similar to the San Sebastian church, it was also designed in the neo-gothic tradition by Swedish architect George Asp. Built in 1904 by the Benedictine Order, the church was dedicated to the Santo Nino de Praga or the Infant Jesus of Prague, the carved image (1903) of which can be found inside.  
I thought the interior of the church was beautiful as we were ushered inside its darkened halls. But it seemed that it was only a preview of what was to come; I was totally blown away as the lights were turned on.

The church was more than beautiful, it was stunningly beautiful; totally exceeding my expectations.
Finely crafted bronze-colored angels line the chamber of the church, illuminating the painted ceiling. And this church’s ceiling is like no other I’ve seen.

The paintings done by Benedictine Father Lesmes Lopez and Brother Salvador Alberich were something I’d only seen in photos of European cathedrals. The Station of the Cross are rendered beautifully on the walls, and the vaulted ceiling is covered with classical styled images of impersonated allegories. The details of these paintings were so finely executed; it was almost like visiting a renaissance museum.
Another interesting feature of the abbey is its bronze entrance doors designed by Eduardo Castrillo who also did the People Power monument. Guarded by two life-sized angels, the dark church foyer is lit by colorful abstract lights of its arched doorways; quite a unique sight.
The abbey’s crowning glory though is its altar and retablo. Showered in gold trimmings, the elevated apse is guarded over by glowing solemn angels and surrounded by a profusion of biblical paintings done in the same style as those of the rest of the church. The vaulted pinnacle is just astounding.
The famous quote by German architect Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe’s “God in the Details” cannot be more true with the Abbey of Our lady of Montserrat. My photos really don’t give it enough justice, please do yourselves a favor and visit it sometime.

Fullscreen capture 10162011 84840 PMThe Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat
638 Mendiola St. (San Beda College)
San Miguel, Manila
(02) 735-6011

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16 comments

  1. goosebumps all over. ang ganda nya nga. sana mabisita ko din tong church na to balang araw ^_^

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  2. I went to my first Visita Iglesia in Manila last April but never been here though. I love the architecture of the church!

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  3. once pa lang ako nakapasok dito, lagi kasi sarado pag pumupunta ako.. hndi ko naapreciate yung ganda nito dati.. ngayon pa lang nung nakita ko photos mo.

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  4. sa mga recent posts mo eto ang wala akong idea sa loob, ang ganda pala!

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  5. deceiving façade! ganda sa loob no?

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  6. Beautiful interiors of the church. The painting and details are very clear and stunning but its kinda reminiscent or probably inspired from Sistine Chapel of Vatican... especially the dome altar ceiling.

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  7. Doi, Elal
    Do visit it sometime, ang ganda talaga ng loob nya

    Batang Lakwatsero
    Ba't naman? Unang pasok ko pa lang namangha kaagad ako jan eh :)

    Joniphilippines
    Me too sir, first time ko rin jan :)

    Lestat
    Oo nga, halos di mo halata na may simbahan pala sa loob

    Ian
    Yun tama ka! Iniisip ko kung ano kahawig nung ceiling eh, Sistine chapel nga :)

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  8. I remember they had the paintings cleaned and restored about 2 years ago by experts. It's a sight to behold and on ordinary days you'll find peace and tranquility just sitting inside whether in prayer or finding yourself in reflection. There's also a pipe organ on the right side still being used during mass. I love the photos bro, thanks for sharing.

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  9. kainis! galeng lang ako Mendiola nung isang araw, sa isang church, now ko lang to nakita. sayangggggg! hanggganda!!!

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  10. Cleober
    Wow didn't know that these were newly restored. It is one of the most beautiful church I know in Manila

    Thepinaysolobackpacker
    Haha sayang naman Gael, anong meron at nag gagala ka sa Manila? :)

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  11. I think mass is held there every morning during weekdays at 6. :)

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  12. Hi .. I'm a student from San Beda College Manila
    I love your photos.. but still much better you guys visit the abbey personally to feel the peaceful feeling inside :))
    The mass (vespers) is held everyday 6 pm :))

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    Replies
    1. BTW.. This January 24, 25, and 26, San Beda College will be the celebrating the feast of Sto Nino de Praga..

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    2. Thank you for the kind words, would love to revisit San Beda Church soon :)

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  13. For your information:

    http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/54801/new-mural-adorns-the-abbey-church-of-our-lady-of-montserrat

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