Sta Ana church/ Catholicism in asian country influence by Spaniards who occupied Philippines

🏛️ Sta. Ana Parish Church – Taguig City The Minor Basilica and Archdiocesan Shrine of Saint Anne, commonly known as Sta. Ana Church, is one of the oldest and most culturally significant churches in Metro Manila. --- 📜 Historical Background Founded in 1587 by Augustinian friars, the church was originally built with light materials. It suffered major damage during the 1645 Luzon earthquake, and was rebuilt in stone in 1848, then again in 1881–1883. During World War II, in 1943, local men were imprisoned inside the church by Japanese forces. It was declared a Historic Site and Cultural Property in 1987 by the National Historical Commission. In 2022, the Vatican granted it the title of Minor Basilica, the first in the Diocese of Pasig. --- 🏗️ Architecture The church features a barn-style Baroque design with a simple triangular pediment. It has a four-story bell tower with a dome, arched windows, and religious bas-reliefs. Inside, the main altar (retablo) glows with gold leaf, showcasing the oldest known image of St. Anne with the child Mary holding a closed book. Side altars include images of St. Joseph, St. Joachim, and other saints. --- 🏛️ Museum & Heritage Sites The church complex includes the Museo de Sta. Ana, housing antique vestments, chalices, statues, and historical records dating as far back as 1857. Adjacent to the church is the Simborio, a dome-shaped cemetery chapel from the 1700s built from stone, once used as an ossuary. --- 🎉 Festivals & Traditions Every July 26, Taguig celebrates the Sta. Anang Banak Festival, a fluvial parade on the Taguig River, complete with singing, fruit-throwing (pasubo), and cultural performances. Another major event is Pistang Pasasalamat, held before Ash Wednesday, giving thanks for protection and blessings received through St. Anne. --- 📍 Why Visit? Sta. Ana Church offers a unique blend of religious devotion, colonial heritage, and local history. It is a place of pilgrimage, especially during feast days, and a symbol of the deep faith of the Taguigueños. #StaAnaChurch #TaguigHeritage #BasilicaOfStaAna #HistoricChurchPH #BaroqueChurch #PhilippineChurches #StaAnangBanakFestival #TaguigCity #FaithAndHistory #OldChurchesOfManila #MinorBasilicaPH #MuseoDeStaAna #SimborioTaguig #DiscoverTaguig #CulturalTreasurePH Let me know if you want a version in Filipino or need mass schedules and directions.