Para sa Ina

The Minor Basilica of San Sebastian in Quiapo, Manila, administered by the Order of Augustinian Recollects (OAR). Photo Credit: Anson Yu.

There is a curious feature on the pediment of the main façade of the convent of the friar members of the Order of Augustinian Recollects (O.A.R) residing in the San Sebastian Basilica complex in Quiapo, Manila. Embossed in concrete letters that are painted in gold is the acronym O.R.S.A. Perhaps for the younger generation, this particular feature might escape them. For the current Recollect friars are now known to append “O.A.R” into their names and not O.R.S.A.

O.R.S.A stood for Order of the Recollects of St. Augustine and it was the former name of the congregation of friars now known as the Order of Augustinian Recollects. The descriptor “Augustinian” in its formal name as a religious congregation should provide the strongest indication of a connection with the older Order of St. Augustine (O.S.A). For one has to appreciate an obscure historical fact about the Augustinians and the Recollects; at a certain point in their respective narratives they were a singular entity.

The Recollect order was founded in the 16^th century in Spain. It was initially conceived as a separate province under the Augustinians which would reflect a more monastic and austere life for its friars but still faithful to the Rule of St. Augustine.

In 1912, after several centuries, the Recollects were finally released from the jurisdiction of the Prior General of the Augustinians and a fuller autonomy of the congregation commenced which persists to this day.    

This present physical exhibition titled Para sa Ina: Rust to Art Exhibit (Part Two) is also a celebration of the almost-forgotten link between the Order of St. Augustine and the Order of Augustinian Recollects. Both congregations, from the time of the Spanish colonial period which started in the 16^th century up until the present are known in the annals of the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines as untiring church builders. From the north of Luzon to areas in Mindanao, these friarly orders led the construction of a number of magnificent edifices of faith that still survive to this day. And arguably, the best exemplar of this zeal would be the present-day San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila and San Sebastian Basilica in Quiapo, Manila.  

The Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation and Cincture (San Agustin Church) in Intramuros, Manila, administered by the Order of St. Augustine (OSA). Photo Credit: Anson Yu.

Both San Agustin Church and San Sebastian Basilica enrich the ecclesiastical and architectural heritage of the Philippines as unique structures built in stone and steel.

San Agustin Church, also known as the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation and Cincture, was constructed in 1607 in Intramuros, Manila. Together with three other outstanding Spanish-era churches, it was designated as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1993. From its construction to the present, the church is still under the auspices of the Order of St. Augustine (Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus of the Philippines). It is widely accepted that San Agustin Church is the oldest stone church in the country.

The Minor Basilica of San Sebastian (San Sebastian Basilica or San Sebastian Church) was completed in 1891 under the care of the Order of Augustinian Recollects. Located in Plaza del Carmen in Quiapo, Manila, the San Sebastian Church is the singular all-metal church in the Philippines and quite possibly the entire Asia.

Together, the two churches manifest the still significant and very much present historical connection of the Augustinian and Recollect brothers. Driven by their devotion to their faith and resilience, the fabled church builders also now perform the Herculean task of also preserving the cultural and religious treasures that they have given to the Philippines.

Damage to wall paintings in San Sebastian Basilica due to water leaks and corrosion of the metal surfaces. Photo Credit: San Sebastian Basilica Conservation and Development Foundation, Inc.

Currently, both Churches face the challenges of preservation and rehabilitation due to the effects of time and natural and man-made elements.

Among the rehabilitation needs of the San Agustin Church is the reinforcement of its main door which has deteriorated through the years. The recent typhoon and earthquakes that struck Metro Manila has likewise affected the church interior, including water leakage in the ceiling and the flaking of the ceiling paints. There is also a need to rehabilitate the exterior of the San Agustin Monastery, the adobe walls of the old sacristy, and the adobe walls and ceiling paint of the old refectory, among many others.

Through Museo San Agustin, the church has conducted several restoration and rehabilitation projects with its partners. The museum has for decades tirelessly worked in protecting the centuries old uniquely Augustinian heritage assets that are found within the walls of San Agustin Church and its convent. But more help is needed.

The overall steel structure of the San Sebastian Basilica has also faced damage due to rust and corrosion. The San Sebastian Basilica Conservation and Development Foundation, Inc. has spearheaded these conservation efforts since 2011, alongside various experts dedicated to extending the life of the structure. Its most recent fundraising project, “Para sa Ina: Rust-to-Art Exhibit”, the fully online exhibit launched in January 2022 and its theme inspired this present physical exhibit, honored the two beloved mother figures of San Sebastian Basilica-— Nuestra Señora del Carmen de San Sebastian and Nuestra Señora de la Salud. The art works made use of rust samples taken from the actual structure and transformed into paintings, mixed media, and sculptural works that center on faith and devotion.

Damage to wall paintings at the ceiling of San Agustin Church due to water leaks. Photo Credit: Museo San Agustin.

San Sebastian Basilica Conservation and Development Foundation, Inc. is also fortunate to have engaged some of the most brilliant minds in the field of heritage conservation here and abroad. It is truly humbling, that these esteemed professionals are devoting their time, effort, and knowledge in what could be one of the most complex preservation projects in the world at the moment.

To conclude, what does it take to conserve two highly significant heritage structures?

The oft-quoted expression “it takes a village” perhaps is apt.    

Outside of professional expertise, it deserves to be said that no sustainable heritage conservation project would be possible without a strong community of supporters. Without the presence of the two parish communities of these churches, heritage advocates, and friends from around the world the task to preserve San Agustin Church and San Sebastian Basilica would be an impossibility.

Again, what does it take to save two highly significant heritage structures? The answer is simple, this would be impossible without everyone’s help.

Contractors at work in San Sebastian Basilica. Photo Credit: San Sebastian Basilica Conservation and Development Foundation, Inc.

With the recent success of its fundraising project, Para sa Ina: Rust-to-Art Exhibit the San Sebastian Church has partnered with the San Agustin Church to develop a second run of the exhibit and bring the remaining rust artworks on exhibit at the San Agustin Church Museum. Para sa Ina: Rust-to-Art Exhibit Part Two highlights the value of brotherhood and partnership in working towards the same cause.

We enjoin everyone to continue supporting the Para sa Ina: Rust-to-Art Exhibit as more help is needed to ensure the present and future generations will be able to express their faith and devotion. The San Agustin Church has come to aid the Sebastian Church in its time of need. We hope for your support as well.

Together, we are stronger.

To support the restoration of San Sebastian Basilica, you may send your donations through the following channels:

BANK OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS (BPI)
Account Number: 2261 000 302
Account Name: San Sebastian Basilica Conservation and Development Foundation, Inc.

PAYMAYA
Account Number: 0930 982 9766 (c/o Cristina Solis, Logistics Officer)

GCASH
Account Number: 0916 738 9009 (c/o Carlo de Chavez, Admin Officer)