The National Shrine of the Virgin of the Rule

The original church was built during the Spanish times between the years 1735-1744 and was made of Mactan (coral) stone cut in square blocks and was only slightly damaged during the 2nd World War.

Unfortunately, the Dutch priests later assigned to the parish bypassed 200 years of history. Instead of repairing the damages, they had the church bulldozed in 1960 and built a totally new one made of plaster and concrete. The walls of the old (Mactan) coral stone church were so solid that, during the architectural massacre, the Dutch priest who ordered to have it demolished was said to have regretted the cultural carnage.

However, there is still a remainder of the old church, as proof of its solidity – the still existing convent built in 1855. It is a beautiful example of the Spanish colonial mission complex and is spacious and solid.

The somehow diamond shaped window is actually imported Italian glass and not just ordinary paint as how many believe it to be.

This is the church’s belfry.

Originally, the church used to ring the bells in this belfry by the traditional tug of the bell ropes, but recently (perhaps in the 90s), it went modern and started playing pre-recorded bell sounds.

This is the Church’s main altar.

The Church has been recently expanded (or more accurately, widened). It can now accomodate 8 rows of pews. Massive it is.

Meanwhile, at the back of the altar, one can find the pilgrim center. One can expect to encounter long queues especially during the month of her feast (November).

It is said that the image that is being hugged, kissed and prayed upon by the devotees is the original image of the Virgin of the Rule that was brought to Cebu.

Also located within the church vicinity is the votive room or what locals call the dagkotanan.

A lot of photographers do not dare to take photos of this area since the space is too small and you’re surrounded by hot and burning candles so the risks of dropping your camera into the scalding pool of wax is high.

Our Candles.

We tried to visit her on November 25th (4 days after her feast day on the 21st) but we weren’t lucky enough since there are still thousands of devotees and we didn’t want to join the crowds so we just came back last December 1st.

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