The Philippines Today

The Jesuits and the Franciscans  The Franciscans first arrived in the Philippines in 1578. Meanwhile, the Jesuits arrived in 1581. The Franciscans were known as healers who established some of Intramuros’ finest hospitals. On the other hand, the Jesuits were men of science who explored the cosmos and the natural world. They established the Philippines’ … Read more

The Archbishop and the Governor-General During colonial times, the church and the state were one in governance. The Governor-General and the Archbishop were the most important people in Manila. The Governor ruled the government and the military. However, there has been a custom or a rule that when the Office of the Governor-General is vacant, … Read more

The Dominicans first arrived in the Philippines in 1581. They established the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in 1611, one of the oldest schools in Asia. They were the missionaries to the Chinese in the Philippines. Missionaries are people who spread their faith to other people. The Dominicans ran the Santo Domingo Church which was … Read more

The Augustinians The Augustinian Order first arrived in the Philippines in 1565. St. Augustin was the founder of the order, and their heavenly patrons are Sto. Niño and Our Lady of Consolation and Cincture. The San Agustin Church, finished in 1607, is the oldest stone church in the Philippines. You may want to read: Saint … Read more