Church and monastery of guadalupe:not just a century old infrustructure but a healing center for me

"Churches are not museums that dispalt perfect people.They are hospitals where the wounded,hurt,and broken find healing".Nicky Gumbel

As you have noticed ,I love visiting the beach,the mountain,historical sites,museums and churches among others For this Friday post allow me to talk about a 100plus year church thats a stone away from the busy commercial hub of Makati.For those who have not heard of this,allow me to share a small trivia-this is run by Augustinian fathers just like that of Cebu Sto Nino Cathedral.

Why you say I love chuch trips?One ,I am a history addict .The stories hidden in its walls always intrigues me.Two,since I love art I do get to see them on the paintings ,the landscape,the architectural work and even in the chalice or other ornaments used during mass.Lastly,they had always been my refuge in times of distress.Id rather be spending hours gasping on the antiquity of it all than be in the mall or coffee shop on a weekend.

"The church's vitality is not measured by how many people fill the pews, but rather by how much these people are filled with Jesus"Mark Wilson

Years back ,these churches were built by the blood and sweat of many of our ancestors.Back then,they were taxed to build this massive infrusture or coerced even with false teachings just so they will be obliged to do so.Nowadays,many of these churches are empty if not full of people who are not in communion with their God.Its common these days to see pickpocketers inside churches , young couples dating ,tourist taking selfie pictures or peddlers However ,still to the pious they had been vital instituitions .

"For where God built a church,there the Devil would also built a chapel"Martin Luther

The church and monastery of Guadalupe also known as Nuestra Senora de Gracia Church has a baroqur design which also reminds me.of many churches in Iloilo.I am happy that despite being in the commercial district ,its well preserved as evidenced by the acknowledgement of the national cultural heritage committee.

The fact that dirty politicans,abortionist ,rapist etc also hear mass makes no difference.Because as expressed earlier ,churches was made for the sinners .So I take no offense when people mock and brand me as self righteous when I often post about them.

So if you happen to be in this area do check it out .There is much you can do in a church .Mind you,churches has been my " thinking room".In those pews I had asked myself hard questions about my life.In its walls I find solutions I can sleep with.And yes by remembering the years they had weathered and stand strong too I always fibd myself more motivated to fight a good fight .

Till next post,
Ayn