History of San Felipe Neri Parish
San Felipe Neri is the Titular Patron of the San Felipe Neri Parish Church.
The Spaniards named the barrio (Mandaluyong) to “San Felipe Neri” in honor of the patron saint of Rome. There is little historical documentation about how San Felipe Neri was chosen as the patron saint of the town.
San Felipe Neri, though the founder of the Order of Oratorians, was also a member of the Third Order of Franciscans, this might have inspired the friars to select him as the town’s patron saint.
During the 1800s, Mandaluyong was originally a small barrio under the jurisdiction of Sta. Ana de Sapa, which was part of the District of Paco in the Province of Tondo. At that time, it was a relatively unknown area, with Sta. Ana serves as its primary administrative center. The Spaniards later named the barrio “San Felipe Neri” in honor of the patron saint of Rome. On September 15, 1853, the town of San Felipe Neri was formally established as a separate community. This marked a significant milestone as it gained its own parish, convent, and school, which were placed under the administration of the religious congregation known as the “Dulcisimo Nombre de Jesus” (Most Sweet Name of Jesus).
Despite this, there is little historical documentation about how San Felipe Neri was chosen as the patron saint of the town. One possible explanation is tied to the Franciscan Order, which had a strong presence in the area at the time. San Felipe Neri, though primarily associated with Rome, was also a member of the Third Order of Franciscans, a branch for laypeople and secular clergy who followed Franciscan values and spirituality. His connection to the Franciscan tradition might have inspired the friars to select him as the town’s patron saint, as his life and values aligned closely with their mission and work.
This connection likely explains why the Franciscan church in the town came to be dedicated to San Felipe Neri. His patronage symbolized a blend of spiritual devotion and service, which resonated deeply with the religious identity of the growing community.
5 Historical Landmarks &
Architecture of the Parish
1. The Architectural Design of the Church
The orientation of Christian churches, particularly towards the rising sun, is a well-known and distinctive feature of their architectural design. This tradition reflects the symbolic connection between light and divine presence in Christian theology. Typically, these orientations align with the solar range of rising directions on the horizon, often favoring positions near the equinoctial east (Ambrosio and Hermosa, 2021). Following this tradition, the San Felipe Neri Church, one of the oldest churches in Metro Manila, was constructed with this architectural orientation.
This eastward orientation not only reflects theological symbolism but also enhances the church’s spiritual ambiance during specific times of the day. Notably, during afternoon prayers, this design creates a heavenly and serene atmosphere. As the sun sets in the west, its rays enter the church through the small opening of the parish balcony. These natural beams of light travel across the space and illuminate the altar table, creating a striking and sacred effect, especially during vespers.
This interplay of light and architecture underscores the thoughtful design of the church, blending functionality and spirituality in a way that uplifts the faithful during moments of prayer and reflection. A notable architectural design of the parish was the “Cruciform” wherein the church structure is formed like a crucifix. Many of the old churches here in the Philippines follow this architectural design.
2. The Bell Towers
Left Bell Tower
- The left bell tower of San Felipe Neri Church houses one of the oldest bells in Mandaluyong, preserving a significant piece of the city’s history.
Main Bell
- The main bell in the tower is used for important liturgical celebrations, marking key events in the church’s calendar.
Spinning Bells
- The “spinning bells” in the tower are manually rung and are typically used during processions, especially when the patron saint of the parish is brought out for processions and venerations.
3. The Gravestones Inside the Church
One of the unique features of the San Felipe Neri Church is the presence of gravestones inside the church, a characteristic also found in other historical churches in the Philippines, such as the San Agustin Church in Intramuros.
According to an article by the National Museum titled “Undas” published in 2021, there are at least three plausible reasons why burials were historically conducted inside churches. The first reason is rooted in an old Christian tradition where the faithful were buried inside crypts and churches, the same places where the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was celebrated.
The second explanation relates to the belief during those times that the souls of the departed needed continuous blessings through prayers. Being buried within the church ensured that the deceased would benefit from the constant prayers and masses offered in the sacred space. The third reason is tied to wealth and social status. During that era, burial inside the church was a privilege reserved for the wealthy and influential. While commoners were typically interred in the churchyard, bishops, high-ranking government officials, and prominent members of the community were often buried inside the church as a mark of their standing in society. Let us honor them with reverence, remembering the souls they represent in our prayers.
4. The Original Stones of the Church
The original walls of San Felipe Neri Parish were built using adobe blocks or stones, like many old churches in the Philippines. This material was chosen because it was sturdier and more durable than earlier materials such as bamboo, nipa thatch, and hardwood, which were easily destroyed by fire, typhoons, and termites. Over time, the church underwent several renovations and changes. In 1884, an Italian white marble slab marker was placed above the main door of the church’s front adobe wall. The marker featured a cross with a hanging cloth in the shape of an “M” which can possibly be a symbol intended for the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the inscription “En ano 1884.” which translates to “In the year 1884.”
Beneath the circular railings of the Bodida ceiling, the words “Fundada por Rev. Gregono Azarga” meaning “Founded by Rev. Gregono Azarga.” were painted but later covered with canvas paintings of the Four Evangelists. When the canvases wore out over time, the original inscriptions were revealed. However, during the term of Fr. Guzman, the façade wall was modified to add a balcony, which destroyed the marker area.
From 1983 to 2000, under the leadership of Msgr. Salvador Jose, the church underwent major beautifications, particularly in its interiors, resulting in much of the structure and design we see today. Despite these changes, parts of the original adobe stones remain intact. These can still be seen in the parish garden on the left wing of the church and the parish columbarium on the right wing. These preserved sections serve as a reminder of the church’s rich history and the enduring strength of its original construction.
5. The Parish Patio
The Parish Patio is more than just an open space where people can enjoy the beauty of San Felipe Neri Church, it holds significant historical value, particularly in the Philippine Revolution and the Katipunan. One notable feature of the patio is an old acacia tree, a common tree in Mandaluyong, as reflected in the nearby street named "Acacia Lane." According to local historians, this tree is one of the oldest in the city and is said to have witnessed pivotal moments in our history. Rumor has it that Andres Bonifacio, the leader and face of the Katipunan, once rested under this very tree. Further adding to the historical importance of the area, local historians have shared information from the memoirs of Florencio Inocentes, a Katipunero from Mandaluyong.
These memoirs recount a meeting held by Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto, and Dr. Pio Valenzuela on August 28, 1869, at the Vicencio residence in Mandaluyong. The meeting was to discuss their plan to raid a Spanish warehouse in San Juan, where guns and ammunition were stored. Before executing their raid, the Katipuneros had to pass through a Guardia Civil outpost near the parish where the current gate and fences are placed. This led to a bloody encounter between the Katipuneros and the Spanish forces due to their resistance to joining the Katipunan, which occurred around 7:00 in the evening. The parish patio and its surroundings thus serve as silent witnesses to the bravery and sacrifice of the Katipuneros in the fight for Philippine independence.
