In Iloilo City, along the premises of the newly renovated Molo Plaza, proudly stands St. Anne Parish Church. More commonly known as the Molo Cathedral, it holds a special place in many tourists’ hearts for two reasons: Its Gothic architectural design and its dominantly female assemblage. All of this makes it worthy of being declared a National Landmark in 1992.
The Neo-Gothic-inspired church was built in the 1800s under the supervision of Father Pablo Montañ. From the outside, its most striking features are its two red pyramidal spires. These almost castle-like exteriors are made from limestone and coral and are said to only be held together by a mixture of egg whites and sand since cement wasn’t available at that time.
Even though the church went through the tumultuous era of World War II and even served as an evacuation center for civilians, the national landmark has very much been preserved.
Upon entering the structure, you will see five tall wooden altars spread out across the church. Each one contains either figures of the crucified Jesus Christ, the Holy Trinity or Jesus in Bethlehem with Mary and Joseph.
The main altar, however, stands out with its gleaming gold linings and high-rise spire that almost reaches the cathedral’s ceiling. It becomes even more majestic during broad daylight although at night you can imagine the lit-up chandeliers providing a truly divine sight and an experience if you’re there to hear mass.
The centerpiece of the altar is Sta. Anne or Anna who, in case you didn’t know, is the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary and is the patron saint of Molo, Iloilo. But aside from breaking away from the traditional crucified Jesus by highlighting her in the altar, what makes the cathedral known as a feminist church are its aisle pillars, which hold 16 statues of female saints including the likes of St. Teresa, St. Marta, St. Monica and St. Rosa de Lima standing guard over the church and churchgoers.
This dominance in female structures and authority doesn’t end inside the church as you will also find six Greek goddesses (Aphrodite, Athena, Artemis, Demeter, Hera and Hestia) looking after you in the equally exquisite Molo Plaza gazebo on your way out.
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