Bacolod Cathedral
Diocese of Bacolod·Roman Catholic·Philippines
San Sebastian Cathedral, located in Bacolod, Philippines, is the principal church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bacolod. Originally established as a parish church in the early 19th century, it underwent significant construction in stone during the late 19th century, evolving into its current form. The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Sebastian and holds historical and religious importance for the region.
Key Facts
- ›Construction of the stone church began in 1876 under Father Mauricio Ferrero, utilizing coral stone from Guimaras and hardwood from Palawan.
- ›The church was consecrated by Bishop Mariano Cuartero on January 19, 1882, the eve of the feast of Saint Sebastian.
- ›Two bell towers were constructed in 1885, with the right tower featuring a donated clock.
- ›The church was elevated to the status of a cathedral in 1933 when Bacolod became a diocese.
- ›The original bell towers were declared a public hazard and demolished in 1969, later being rebuilt in their current form.
- ›The remains of former bishops and church benefactors are enshrined in the cathedral's columbarium.
- Columbarium With Remains of Former Bishops and Benefactors
- Rebuilt Bell Towers
- Rectory, Now the Bishop's House
Mauricio Ferrero
About Bacolod Cathedral
San Sebastian Cathedral
San Sebastian Cathedral, situated in the city of Bacolod in Negros Occidental, Philippines, serves as the principal church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bacolod. Its history is deeply intertwined with the development of Bacolod, from its origins as a small Malayan settlement to its present-day status.
History and Construction
The area that would become Bacolod was initially a village known as Magsungay, placed under the protection of Saint Sebastian by missionaries in the 1700s. Due to pirate attacks, the inhabitants relocated to a new settlement called bakólod, which evolved into modern Bacolod. Father Leon Pedro was appointed the first parish priest in 1806.
The original church was built in 1825 by Father Julian (or Juan) Gonzaga, constructed from wood with a galvanized iron roof. Over time, donations of bells enriched the church's possessions.
The cornerstone for the present stone structure was laid on April 27, 1876, under the direction of Father Mauricio Ferrero. Utilizing coral stone from Guimaras and hardwood from Palawan, the construction also involved prison labor. The church was consecrated by Bishop Mariano Cuartero on January 19, 1882. In 1885, two bell towers were added, one of which featured a donated clock. The church organ was installed in the narthex that same year.
San Sebastian Church was officially declared a cathedral in 1933, coinciding with the establishment of the Diocese of Bacolod. Significant renovations and consecrations occurred in 1956 under Bishop Manuel Yap and later under Bishop Antonio Fortich. In 1969, the original bell towers were demolished due to being declared a public hazard, and were later rebuilt in their current form.
Notable Features and Significance
The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Sebastian, its patron saint. The columbarium within the cathedral houses the remains of former bishops of the diocese, including Casimiro Lladoc and Manuel Yap, as well as those of church benefactors. The rectory, constructed by Father Mauricio Ferrero, now serves as the bishop's house.
On December 25, 1994, the San Diego Parish Church was declared a pro-cathedral of San Sebastian Cathedral. The venerated painting of Virgen Sang Barangay was pontifically crowned on October 16, 2025.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the original San Sebastian Church built?
The original church was constructed in 1825 by Father Julian (or Juan) Gonzaga. It was made of wood with a galvanized iron roof.
Who led the construction of the current stone church?
The construction of the structure in its present form began on April 27, 1876, under the leadership of Father Mauricio Ferrero, OAR.
What materials were used to build the San Sebastian Cathedral?
Coral stone from the island of Guimaras was used as the primary building material for the stone church. Hardwood from trees in Palawan was used for wooden portions.
When did San Sebastian Church become a cathedral?
The church was declared a cathedral in 1933 when Bacolod officially became a diocese. Prior to this, it served as a parish church.
What happened to the original bell towers?
In 1969, the bell towers were declared a public hazard and subsequently demolished. They were later rebuilt in their present form through fundraising efforts by the cathedral's rector.
Whose remains are enshrined in the cathedral's columbarium?
The columbarium enshrines the remains of Bishops Casimiro Lladoc and Manuel Yap, the first and second bishops of the Diocese of Bacolod, respectively. The remains of church benefactors are also interred there.
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