San Miguel Church (Manila)

 shrine, Roman Catholic church

Officially known as the National Shrine of Saint Michael and the Archangels. Also called Villa de San Miguel Church and Malacañang Chruch (due to its proximity to the Palace), the Shrine was first built in the 1630s as an ex-voto by a Spanish Governor-General who miraculously escaped death while on a military campaign. This church also once ministered to Japanese Christians fleeing persecution by the Tokugawa Shogunate, and since many of the exiles had belonged to the Samurai class, the church was dedicated to Saint Michael (who is a heavenly general and angelic warrior). Saint Michael's acquired its presidential association when several Presidents began frequently worshipping there, most notably President Carlos P. García and his consort, First Lady Leonila.

St. Michael's today is more popular with betrothed couples, as Shrine priests are authorised by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila to bestow the Sacraments of Confirmation and, if necessary, Baptism. This pre-wedding requirement of the Catholic Church is performed on baptised faithful in an hour-long service the same day it is requested.

Telephone: 734.1271; 736.1105