Church of San Felipe Neri
In 1870, seven years after San Felipe de Neri (now Mandaluyong) was separated from Sta. Ana de Sapa, Fr. Gavino Ruiz, incumbent parish priest was authorized to purchase the 1-hectare church site and, on March 25, 1870, the cornerstone of the church was blessed.
The church’s Neo-Gothic facade
The church’s Neo-Gothic facade
In 1883, Rev. Fr. Gregono Azarga, OFM, who took over the parish, obtained a permit to spend 39,100 pesos for the construction of the church. A manuscript, dated June 22, 1894, handwritten by Captain Municipal Pascual Francisco, already reported the existence of this church and its convent.
Buttresses at the right side of the church
Fr. (later bishop) Manuel C. Sobrevinas (parish priest from 1975 – 1979), Fr. (later bishop) Gabriel V. Reyes (parish priest from 1979 – 1981) and Fr. (later bishop) Francisco C. San Diego (parish priest from 1981 – 1983) made repairs at the church.
Centennial anniversary plaque
150th anniversary plaque
Msgr. Salvador Jose (parish priest from 1983 – 2000) constructed the new convent at the right side of the church and the auxiliary chapels on the left.
The church’s interior
AUTHOR’s NOTES:
The church’s single level, Neo-Gothic façade has a semicircular arch main entrance flanked by statued niches and twin bell towers with pyramidal roofs. Its triangular pediment has a centrally located statued niche.
Choir loft
Church of San Felipe Neri: cor. of Boni Ave. and Rt. Rev. C. Aglipay St., Mandaluyong City 1550, Metro Manila. Tel: (632) 8531-2931 and 8531- 4827.
How to Get There: Mandaluyong City is located 7 kms. from Manila and 8 kms. from Pasig City.