San Sebastian Cathedral, Catholic cathedral in central Bacolod, Philippines
San Sebastian Cathedral is a stone building with two bell towers in central Bacolod, where the right tower displays a clock donated by Don Luis Ruiz de Luzurriaga in 1885. The structure is built from coral stone, giving it a distinctive appearance that has endured for over a century.
The original wooden church was founded in 1825 under Father Julian Gonzaga, but it was later replaced by the current coral stone structure completed in 1882. Father Mauricio Ferrero oversaw the expansion and sourced coral stones from the Guimaras islands and hardwood from Palawan.
The cathedral serves as the spiritual center of the Diocese of Bacolod and holds the remains of its first two bishops in a columbarium inside. Visitors can observe how the faithful gather here for daily worship and prayer.
The cathedral sits at 1755 Rizal Street across from Bacolod Public Plaza and welcomes visitors throughout the day for observation and worship. Plan your visit during quieter hours if you prefer a more peaceful experience away from the main prayer times.
Prisoners participated in the construction of the current coral stone structure under Father Mauricio Ferrero's supervision, contributing their labor to the expansion. This unusual collaboration between incarcerated workers and the church is a fascinating aspect of the cathedral's history.
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