Not So Pink Things About the Baguio Cathedral

Not So Pink Things About the Baguio Cathedral

Before SM City Baguio on top of Luneta Hill took its turn on the spotlight, a humble church was once the attention grabber to people standing on the higher portions of the famous Session Road.

Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral, popularly known as the Baguio Cathedral, of the great Roman Catholic Church boasts its pink, rosy façade and magnificent twin towers inviting Christian locals and visitors to have a moment with the Supreme before exploring the other wonders of the chilly city.

Undeniably, the Baguio Cathedral is the most popular and the most photographed church in the BLIST (Baguio, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba) metro and even in the whole stretch of the Cordilleras.

Pillars of the Baguio Cathedral

History has it that the hill where the Baguio Cathedral is built was called Kampo by Ibaloi natives who originally inhabited the city.

The construction of the church started in 1920 after the successful arrival of Belgian missionaries from Congregatio Immaculati Cordis Mariae (CICM) in 1907. CICM is also known for creating and sustaining St. Louis University, one of the top schools in the country, which is located near the Baguio Cathedral.

The hilly site of the church was then called Mount Mary.

Rev. Fr. Oktaaf Vandelwalle, Fr. Serafin Devesse and Fr. Henry Verbeck worked to start the construction of the church. Rev. Fr. Leo Valdemans was in charge of the draft of the design of the church which was brought to reality by Fr. Adolph Cansse and his team of Igorot carpenters.

In 1924, the very prominent twin towers of the cathedral were constructed adding more majestic features to the church.

When the Second World War broke, the church became an evacuation center for locals. In 1990, it was renovated and was re-opened in November.

Baguio Cathedral as Part of Our Life

Standing as the biggest Catholic Church in the city, the Baguio Cathedral hosts major religious activities. It welcomes devotees from all across the country especially during Holy Week.

Just like any other major religious establishments, vendors line outside the vicinity of the church to sell rosaries, candles, flowers, beads, crucifixes and other souvenir items.

The Baguio Cathedral sits on a very convenient location, near schools, hotels, restaurants, parks and shopping centers making it easy for anyone to visit the church.

Masses are conducted every day. On Sundays, there is a schedule for masses that use Ilocano and Filipino languages as medium.

The church also hosts christenings, funerals, confirmations, weddings, ordinations and other special occasions.

For newbies in Baguio City, the Baguio Cathedral can be reached through hitting their telephone line: 074- 304- 4064, or their email address: [email protected].

The Baguio Cathedral is one of the reasons why people love visiting and staying in Baguio during Holy Weeks and other holidays.

If you keep on coming back to Baguio to enjoy the Baguio Cathedral and other exciting offerings of the city, it is best to invest in a second home here in Baguio. We have perfect condo units that you may utilize as vacation homes for your family.

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