December 8, 2009

Cherubim on high

December 8 is the feast day of the Immaculate Conception, the patroness of the Archdiocese of Manila. To commemorate this Roman Catholic holy day (which, beginning this year, is no longer a holiday in the Philippines), I offer you another view of the Manila Cathedral, which is also known as the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. The symbol on the round plaque underneath the cross is the coat of arms of the Holy See which features the papal tiara and Saint Peter's crossed keys.

detail of the Manila Cathedral

ADDENDUM: Because so many are asking. This feast day used to be a holiday for Catholic institutions all over the Philippines. But on May 20, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP)—think of it as the government of the Catholic Church in the country—declared that it will no longer be so. It is still a holy day, however, and Catholic schools are asked to organize activities related to the solemnity (Mass, Rosary, forums and programs on Mary) "to capture the true spirit of the holy day and make its celebration more meaningful."

15 comments:

  1. DinaDecember 8, 2009 at 5:13 AM

    Nice, Hilda. Why do you think it was taken off the national holiday list?

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  2. workhardDecember 8, 2009 at 5:26 AM

    Thats a very beautiful cathedral..



    Birth Certificate

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  3. Photo CacheDecember 8, 2009 at 6:30 AM

    why is it no longer a holiday?

    i can't remember if we had this as a holiday when i worked at chs.

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  4. KaoriDecember 8, 2009 at 7:03 AM

    is there a reason it's no longer a holiday? the church is beautiful. lovely shot!

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  5. LoisDecember 8, 2009 at 7:19 AM

    It's magnificent Hilda!

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  6. Don and KriseDecember 8, 2009 at 9:27 AM

    So beautiful Hilda. I wonder too why it is no longer a holiday in the Philippines. Has that date been replaced by some other celebration?

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  7. brattcatDecember 8, 2009 at 9:55 AM

    What beautiful symmetry.

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  8. Debbie Courson SmithDecember 8, 2009 at 9:59 AM

    Love this angle...but how can a holiday no longer be a holiday, and who decides?

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  9. LowellDecember 8, 2009 at 10:36 AM

    Another very well composed shot...so much detail. And so much history. And so much religion. Interesting! I would also ask why the holy day is no longer a holiday? Is there a greater separation of church and state in the Philippines in recent years?

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  10. escapeDecember 8, 2009 at 12:11 PM

    and i didnt know that it's the patroness of the archdiocese of manila. bad me.

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  11. OlivierDecember 8, 2009 at 2:20 PM

    très bel angle de vue, elle est magnifique cette église.
    very nice angle of view, it is this beautiful church.

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  12. Cezar and LéiaDecember 8, 2009 at 7:54 PM

    It's an important day, people could have the choice to take or not this day to pray and so on... and this Church is outstanding, I loved the angle in this picture.
    hugs
    Léia

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  13. HalcyonDecember 8, 2009 at 11:16 PM

    Very nice shot. Too bad your skies are not a little bluer. :)

    Sorry to hear you lost a holiday, but I suppose you can still celebrate at home.

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  14. VPDecember 9, 2009 at 6:19 AM

    Still a holiday here in Italy and nobody has problems with this.

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  15. DinaDecember 10, 2009 at 5:29 AM

    Thanks for the addendum. That sounds like a very good decision. Now I understand.

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Thanks for visiting and letting me know!