Chinese Catholic Community in Manila marks 80 years of faith and devotion to Our Lady of the Rosary

The Chinese Catholic Church in Binondo, Philippines, celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary and the 80th Jubilee Anniversary of its founding on October 19.

These eight decades mark a legacy of faith handed down through generations, cultural integration, and a living witness to evangelization, where Chinese Catholics have taken root, grown, and lived out their mission. With Mary as Mother, Christ at the center, and faith as their path, they continue to journey toward the apostolic mission of the Chinese faithful.

The celebration began with a novena, during which families, youth, and elders prayed the Rosary together. The sound of prayer filled the church, each bead a testament to love and faithfulness. On the feast day morning, although the skies were gray and rain fell steadily, the faithful were undeterred, walking with umbrellas in hand, filled with faith and gratitude for Our Lady’s maternal protection and intercession over the past 80 years.

At 9:00 a.m., a solemn Thanksgiving Mass was celebrated, presided over by Bishop Leopoldo C. Haosian of Bangued, Abra, and National Director of the Chinese Apostolate in the Philippines, with Fr. Dominic Men (Parish Priest) and several Dominican priests concelebrating. The church was filled with families spanning three and four generations, showing how the fire of faith has been passed down through the years.

During the Mass, twenty young faithful received the Sacrament of Confirmation, marked by the seal of the Holy Spirit to strengthen them in faith as witnesses of the Gospel and bearers of hope. Several children also received their First Holy Communion. The celebration coincided with World Mission Sunday, adding deeper meaning, those who receive grace are also called to become channels of grace.

In the afternoon, the faithful gathered again for a Thanksgiving Mass and a grand Marian procession. Though the rain did not cease and the streets were flooded, when the church bells rang, the faithful marched on with fervor.

Seven decorated floats (carrozas) made their way through the streets of the Chinese community, bearing statues of seven saints, the most honored among them being the image of Our Lady of the Rosary. Amidst a sea of umbrellas and rain, candles flickered, and Our Lady’s gentle face seemed to shine through the raindrops, gazing tenderly upon her people. Their faith, like an unquenchable flame, turned wind and rain into blessings.

Students and alumni of Lorenzo Ruiz Academy (formerly Crusaders Academy) marched in reverence, joined by various parish groups. Education, faith, and community came together as a powerful witness to intergenerational faith and unity.

The faithful walked solemnly with rosaries in hand, reciting prayers aloud. Elders walked resolutely, while youth and children led the chants. Prayers in Chinese, English, and Filipino wove together into one unified voice. Rain and tears mingled, and candlelight trembled but never went out, a profound testament of faith and the Chinese Catholic community’s most heartfelt offering to the Blessed Mother.

This was not just a procession, it was a pilgrimage of faith. Those who walked in the rain were souls full of thanksgiving; those who prayed along the way embodied a faithful people. By the end of the procession, though drenched, their faces radiated peace and joy, for they firmly believed: faith takes deeper root in the midst of trials.

Under the loving gaze of Our Lady of the Rosary, the 80th Jubilee is not only a time of remembrance but also a renewal of mission and faith.