The schedule for masses at Quiapo Church, also known as the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene or Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, varies depending on the day of the week. Here is a quick overview of the mass times at Quiapo Church for today, Thursday, October 12, 2023:
Daily Masses
Quiapo Church holds mass daily at the following times:
- 5:30 AM
- 6:30 AM
- 7:30 AM
- 8:30 AM
- 12:00 NN
- 6:00 PM
So if you want to attend mass today at Quiapo Church, you can choose from those time slots for the regular daily mass.
Thursday Masses
In addition to the regular daily masses, there are some specific mass times on Thursdays:
- 9:00 AM – Mass with Devotion to the Black Nazarene
- 10:00 AM – Mass in Honor of St. Jude Thaddeus
- 3:00 PM – Mass with Devotion to the Our Mother of Perpetual Help
- 4:30 PM – Mass with Novena to the Black Nazarene
So those are some Thursday-specific mass times you can attend today at Quiapo Church.
Weekend Masses
Though today is Thursday, here is also a quick overview of the weekend mass schedule at Quiapo Church:
- Saturday:
- 5 AM
- 5:30 AM
- 6:30 AM
- 7:30 AM
- 8:30 AM
- 4 PM
- 5 PM
- 6 PM
- 7 PM
- Sunday:
- 5 AM
- 6 AM
- 7 AM
- 8 AM
- 9 AM
- 10 AM
- 11:30 AM
- 12:30 PM
- 4 PM
- 5 PM
- 6 PM
- 7 PM
So weekends at Quiapo Church have more mass times, including some earlier 5 AM options.
Mass Language
Masses at Quiapo Church are generally held in Filipino or Tagalog. However, there are some English masses as well:
- Saturday
- 6:00 PM – English mass
- Sunday
- 10:00 AM – English mass
So if you prefer an English mass, be sure to check those Saturday evening and Sunday 10 AM time slots.
Major Feast Days
On major Catholic feast days and holidays, Quiapo Church will often have special masses and celebrations. Here are some major feast days to be aware of:
- January 9 – Feast of the Black Nazarene with grand procession
- Holy Week – Special masses and processions for Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, etc.
- June 24 – Feast of St. John the Baptist with procession
- November 4 – Feast of St. Charles Borromeo
- December 25-31 – Christmas and New Year’s masses and celebrations
On these major Catholic holy days, expect particularly crowded masses and festive celebrations at Quiapo Church. The schedule will differ from regular days.
Attending Mass at Quiapo Church
If you plan to attend mass at Quiapo Church, here are some tips:
- Arrive early – give yourself time to pass through security and crowds
- Dress modestly and appropriately
- Be prepared to stand – pews fill up quickly
- Keep valuables secure
- Photography or video recording may be prohibited during mass
- Silence mobile phones
- Don’t leave bags unattended
With proper planning and preparation, you can have a peaceful and meaningful experience attending mass at the historic and iconic Quiapo Church.
History of Quiapo Church
Quiapo Church has a long and rich history in Manila.
The parish was established in 1586 by Spanish missionaries who arrived in the Philippines. They built a church made of bamboo and nipa, dedicated to the Holy Purity.
In 1587, the church was elevated to the status of a parish. In 1588, the structure was rebuilt using stone. It was dedicated to Serrano saints Peter and Paul.
In 1591, the church was destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt in 1601 using stone, and was dedicated to the Black Nazarene, a dark statue of Jesus Christ believed to be miraculous.
Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, the church underwent various repairs and renovations. Its present Neo-Romanesque architecture style dates to the 19th century reconstructions.
In 1928, the church was renamed Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene. It was officially elevated to a Basilica Minore in 1984 by Pope John Paul II.
Today, Quiapo Church remains one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Manila, attracting millions of devotees who pray and pay homage to the Black Nazarene statue.
Architectural Features
Some notable architectural features of Quiapo Church include:
- The main nave with Neo-Romanesque arches and decor
- Side chapels dedicated to various saints
- intricately carved columns made from molave wood
- The dome over the crossing with stained glass windows depicting the Holy Spirit as a dove
- The intricately gilded altar and pulpit
- The separate shrine housing the image of the Black Nazarene
While the exterior facade is relatively plain and simple, the interior is ornately designed with an elegant fusion of Romanesque, Muslim, Byzantine, and Neoclassical motifs.
Black Nazarene Devotion
The Black Nazarene statue housed in the church is a dark, life-sized image of Jesus Christ carrying a cross. It was brought to Manila from Mexico in 1606 by Spanish missionaries.
The statue is said to have miraculous powers, with the ability to heal, grant wishes, and perform miracles. Devotees believe that by praying before the Nazarene, wiping a handkerchief on its image, or touching the statue, they can acquire its powers.
Every year on January 9, millions gather in Manila for the Feast of the Black Nazarene. The statue is paraded through the streets in a massive procession known as the “Traslacion.” Devotees flock to touch or pull the statue’s rope in hopes of miracles.
The Nazarene has become a world-famous icon with a global following among Filipino Catholics. Quiapo Church is now defined by this devotion and connection to the miraculous Black Nazarene.
Other Notable Features of Quiapo Church
In addition to being home to the Black Nazarene, Quiapo Church has other significant features that contribute to its importance:
- St. Jude Shrine – This shrine within the church is dedicated to St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of hopeless and difficult cases.
- Our Mother of Perpetual Help Shrine – Located on the left aisle, this shrine features an icon of the Blessed Mother under the title of Our Mother of Perpetual Help.
- National Shrine of Serrano Saints – Honors St. Philip of Jesus and Japanese Martyrs, the first saints of the Philippines.
- Multimedia Museum of Saint John Paul II – Opened in 2014, featuring exhibits about the life of Pope Saint John Paul II.
- St. Charles Borromeo Chapel – A chapel named after the beloved Italian saint Charles Borromeo.
- Baptistery – Features a bronze cover crafted in Florence, Italy and a marble holy water font.
- Return of the Nine Choirs of Angels – A massive mural by National Artist Carlos Francisco depicting angels in choir.
This combination of shrines, chapels, museums, and artwork make Quiapo Church a treasure trove of Philippine Catholic heritage and sacred art.
Getting to Quiapo Church
Wondering how to get to Quiapo Church? Here are some tips:
By LRT
The nearest LRT station is UN Avenue Station on LRT Line 1. From here, Quiapo Church is around a 10-15 minute walk. You can walk west along Rizal Avenue, then turn right on Quezon Blvd to reach the church.
By Jeepney
Multiple jeepney routes pass by Quiapo Church:
- Quezon Blvd or Quiapo route from UN Avenue or Mendiola
- Fugoso route from San Andres or Sta. Mesa
- Paterno-San Sebastian route from Recto
Alight at the Quezon Blvd or Fugoso Street stops near the church.
By Bus or FX
Buses plying the Taft Avenue route as well as FX vans going to Quiapo or SM San Lazaro can drop you off near the church along Quezon Blvd or Hidalgo Street.
By Tricycle
From Recto or Legarda LRT Stations, you can take a tricycle directly to Quiapo Church. Agree on the fare beforehand.
By Taxi or Grab
You can take a taxi, Grab, or any TNC to the drop off point right outside Quiapo Church along Quezon Blvd.
Where to Eat Near Quiapo Church
Want to grab a bite to eat after mass at Quiapo Church? Here are some popular restaurants and eateries nearby:
Ilalim ng Tulay sa Quiapo
This hole-in-the-wall eatery under Quezon Bridge is famed for its sampler plates packed with Filipino favorites like kwek-kwek, fish balls, and more. Open 24/7.
Masuki
Specializing in Japanese-Filipino fusion dishes, Masuki Cafe offers unique treats like adobo rice bowls, sinigang ramen, and more. Airconditioned and Insta-worthy interiors.
Hap Chan
Get your Chinese food fix at this go-to spot serving fresh lumpia, pansit, siopao, dimsum, and more Chinese fare.
Hen Lin
Another popular Chinese eatery along Quezon Blvd, Hen Lin is known for budget-friendly meals, noodle soups, and tikoy desserts.
Kundiman
For a boodle fight feast, check out this Filipino restaurant offering unlimited servings of sisig, inihaw, sinigang and other local favorites served on banig mats.
Aristocrat Restaurant
The original branch of this historic Filipino restaurant chain is right beside Quiapo Church. Enjoy classics like lumpiang ubod, pancit luglug, and more.
Nearby Attractions to Quiapo Church
Aside from eating and mass, here are some other interesting attractions near Quiapo Church that you can visit:
Plaza Miranda
This public square right in front of Quiapo Church is a popular gathering spot. On weekends it transforms into a busy market selling cheap goods, food, and more.
Quiapo Market
For bargain shopping, browse this dense network of stalls and vendors along Quezon Blvd selling flowers, herbs, houseware, apparel, and other goods.
University of Santo Tomas
Founded in 1611, check out the sprawling campus of UST, the oldest university in the country, located just northeast of Quiapo.
Escolta Street
Visit this revived historic street for art deco architecture and hip boutiques, galleries, museums, and dining spots.
Binondo
Just across the bridges from Quiapo is Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown. Shop and eat your way through this bustling district.
Quiapo Church is surrounded by some of Manila’s most fascinating and historic attractions. After mass, take the time to also explore its vibrant neighborhood.
Safety Tips For Visiting Quiapo Church
To make sure your trip to Quiapo Church is safe and pleasant, keep these tips in mind:
- Bring only small amounts of cash and limit valuables. Keep wallets in front pockets.
- Be wary of pickpockets or snatchers, especially in crowded areas.
- Travel in groups and avoid deserted or dark streets.
- Only take licensed taxis or those through ride-hailing apps.
- Keep smartphones out of sight when not needed.
- Carry important contacts and have emergency load for your mobile.
- Ask for assistance from church personnel or security guards if needed.
- Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times.
Observing basic precautions will allow you to visit Quiapo Church safely and focus on your faith, pilgrimage, and the many wonders it has to offer.
Conclusion
Quiapo Church is an iconic pilgrimage site with a long, rich history at the heart of Manila. Masses are held daily starting as early as 5:30 AM, with specific schedules for weekdays, weekends, and holidays. The famous Black Nazarene housed here draws millions of devoted followers annually. Visiting the historic church also lets you experience Quiapo’s vibrant culture and feast on delicious local cuisine from nearby eateries. Just follow basic safety tips to ensure a meaningful and enjoyable experience at Quiapo Church.