ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH - The Pride of San Juan, Metro Manila

The facade of the Parish of St. John the Baptist in San Juan, Metro Manila. It is a living treasure in the heart of the inhabitants of the City. A pride of their race. In fact, the City is named after its much beloved Patron Saint and original Parish: SAN JUAN.

The Parish Church and its Belfry: El Campanario

The Advent Season started with the figure of St. John the Baptist crying in the wilderness like a roaring lion: "Repent, your salvation is at hand." And, we are closing Christmas Season with St. John the Baptist baptizing the Lord Jesus. Truly, St. John B. is special for our Catholic faith. In fact, very very special because he is known as the last prophet of the Old Testament and the first in the New Testament. Much more beside the Lord Jesus and the Blessed Virgin, this great Saint is the only one whose birth is being commemorated as well as the death or departure.

The Parish also runs this Catholic School

We have honored the Lord Jesus, the Blessed Virgin, St. Joseph, the Magi, the Shepherds and the Angels. Now, it is but time to remember St. John the Baptist whose voice echoes in our hearts: "He must increase and I must decrease."

Another view of St. John the Baptist Catholic School. The building is not yet fully painted outside but it is already a beautiful edifice of educational formation for young people.

This place is dear to some of our Apologia members, particularly Bro. Gerald Cenir one of the best MC for Tridentine Latin Mass today. This is his home parish. And, Bro. Marwil Llasos whose father was given the funeral rites in this temple.

St. John the Baptist Catholic School's twin building

The first view of the beautiful exterior of the Church

The other way around, the exterior of the Church viewed from the Altar to the Main Exit Door. The Narra benches are shining in beauty, the white and black marble floor is also radiating serenity, royal dignity and grace.

Fr. Abe, CRS with the good Parish Priest, Fr. Frank, whose white hairs denote wisdom. Then we have Bro. Henry Siy [DFF Chairman] and the two dynamic duo ladies of Defensores Fidei Sis. Claire Navarro and Sis. Shirley Monreal.

The marker explaining the erection of the Belfry. It was blessed by the legendary Cardinal Jaime Sin considered as a nation's hero and a prophet of our time. The then Vice President Joseph Estrada helped generously for the project. I was informed that this Church is very dear to his beloved mother Doña Mary Ejercito who used to pray and attend Masses in the Church during her stronger days.

The Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe

The beatiful Altar and its stained glasses and retablo are perfect for the celebration of Ad Orientem Tridentine Latin Mass. The mark of the original communion rail is still evident.

The small chapel near the Sacristy. It is also prominent in beauty and elegance The old baptismal font. Unfortunately it appears to be neglected because plastic cups and other garbage are left inside it. What a pity. This font must have received a lot of souls into the Catholic Church and some might be in heaven already. It has historical, cultural and sacramental value; therefore must be taken cared of.

The Baptism of the Lord. What a beautiful reminder of the feast we just celebrated yesterday.

This Mater Dolorosa or the Sorrowful Mother is very beautiful San Juan is very handsome and exuding heavenly aura in this artwork.

The Blessed Sacrament at the center, the large Cross on central top while the two Angels carrying lights around the Blessed Sacrament evoke memory of the Ark of the Covenant.

The Baptism of the Lord in Stained Glass

Unless I am mistaken this is our dear Miguel, one of the major Acolytes preparing for the Mass. Bro. Ryan Mejillano of Catholic Faith Defenders - Davao preparing for the Holy Mass also as one of the Acolytes. Coming from the South Ryan was not able to bring his Surplice but I lent him mine. Look, it fits him perfectly. It means there is no big difference in our size and bodily formation.

The candles for the celebration of the Holy Mass was being prepared

The Presider's Chair [large one] and the concelebrant's chair [smaller one]

The beautiful Last Supper artistically curved in front of the Altar Table. It is shining in golden color.

The Lord Jesus sitting in full authority as the Teacher of the World. Unless I am mistaken this is curved in front of the Lectern.

The Statue of the Sacred Heart

The Statue of St. John Marie Vianney, patron of Parish Priests

St. Anthony of Padua, the great Franciscan Saint and Doctor of the Church

St. Joseph and the Child Jesus

The image of Our Lady

Our dear Bro. Gerald Cenir serving as Thurifer. The guy is proudly serving in his own home Parish. Thank you St. John the Baptist for giving us a faithful and dedicated Catholic young man like Bro. Gerald.

By the first look she looks like the Virgin Mary then after scrutiny she is not but judging from the crocodile on her feet I guessed that this is St. Martha. I hope I'm right. If any parishioners of the parish is reading this one, please do confirm or correct me.

One of the twelve Apostles and cousin of the Lord, St. Jude Thaddeus.

A very beautiful Crucifix at the side of the Church

The Confessional Box