The Manila Cathedral, officially known as the Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, has restored its bronze doors.
In a statement, church authorities said the bronze doors, which were installed in 1958, are a “testament to the steadfast faith story” of the church.
Father Reginald Malicdem, rector of the cathedral, inaugurated the newly restored doors on Saturday, December 5.
“We are thankful that after a meticulous process of restoration,” said the priest, adding that “years of grime and dirt now gave way to the intricate details of the reliefs.”
“By protecting and conserving these doors, may the generations to come enter through it in praise to our Almighty God,” read a social media post of the Manila Cathedral.
The cathedral’s central doors are now displayed for the public while the history and details of the bronze reliefs are displayed near the doors.
The façade of the Manila Cathedral is festooned with artistic bronze carvings representing its important historical episodes and giving homage to Mary, the Mother of God.
The bronze panels at the church’s main portal show Bishop Domingo de Salazar blessing the original church in 1579; the collapse of the first stone church caused by the 1600 earthquake; and an “interim cathedral,” in grass hut, after the 1645 earthquake.
Also seen on the panels are the scene of the tragedy brought about by the 1863 earthquake; the cathedral of wood and “nipa” on fire in 1583; Bishop Diego Vasquez de Mercado consecrating the rebuilt cathedral in 1614; Archbishop Miguel de Poblete collecting offerings for the reconstruction of the cathedral; and the destruction of the church brought about by the Second World War.
