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SAN PEDRO BAUTISTA BUILDING TO RISE AT QUIAPO CHURCH, SERVING CLERGY, LAITY AND DEVOTEES

Sep. 16, 2026 10:58 AM

MANILA — As the Quiapo Church community continues to grow, a new seven-storey building is set to rise not only as an expansion of the Church’s physical space, but as a place envisioned to serve its clergy, laity and growing number of devotees.

The San Pedro Bautista Building, which will occupy an approximately 250-square-meter property, officially broke ground on September 11, 2026, marking a new chapter in the continuing development of the Quiapo Church.

Before the groundbreaking ceremony, His Eminence Cardinal Jose Advincula, Archbishop of Manila, presided the Eucharistic Celebration at 12:15 p.m., joined by Quiapo Church priests, clergy from the Archdiocese of Manila and devotees.

The groundbreaking ceremony followed the mass and was started by Rev. Fr. Jade Licuanan, Parish Priest of Quiapo Church, together with presence of Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno and Architect Stephanie Gilles of SNG Design Enterprise.

Cardinal Advincula also led the blessing of the construction site, marking the formal beginning of the project.

A Building for the Entire Quiapo Community

Rather than serving a single purpose, the facility is envisioned as a shared space for the Church’s clergy, laity and devotees, supporting pastoral activities, religious formation, community gatherings, retreats, cultural preservation and other ministries.

According to Rev. Fr. Jade Licuanan, the rapid growth in the number of devotees has created the need for additional facilities that can support the church’s expanding mission.

He also emphasized that the Church’s mission involves not only the clergy but everyone who is part of the faith community. “Tayo rinpo ay tinatawagan na maging misyonero. To be a missionary disciple…. Paglabas natin sa mga pintuan ng ating simbahan magiging misyonero tayo ng ating Poong Jesus Nazareno. Kaya ang ating pong tawag sa ating sarili – misyonerong disipolo,” Rev. Fr. Licuanan said.

Spaces for Ministry, Worship and Community

The seven-storey building will house facilities intended to support the diverse needs of the clergy, laity and devotees of Quiapo Church.

Among the planned facilities are:

– 200-seat auditorium and multifunction hall for gatherings and community activities

– 110-seat chapel for retreats and liturgical celebrations

– Multipurpose and dining hall

– Museum featuring historic sacred images and artifacts associated with the Poong Nazareno

– Eight-room dormitory

– Food storage area

– Roof deck

These facilities are expected to provide additional venues for religious activities, formation programs, ministry work, community gatherings and other activities of the Quiapo Church.

The building also incorporates sustainability into its design through the efficient use of existing space, maximization of natural daylight and ventilation, energy-efficient lighting, and the use of durable and low-emission materials where feasible.

Honoring San Pedro Bautista

The building was named after San Pedro Bautista, remembered as a former priest of the Quiapo Chapel and for his initiative to elevate the chapel into a parish church.

The approximately 250-square-meter property was acquired by the Church under the leadership of Rev. Msgr.  Jose Clemente Ignacio, former Parish Priest of Quiapo Church.

The project therefore carries both a historical and pastoral significance, connecting Quiapo Church’s heritage with its continuing mission to serve its growing community.

City Support for the Project

The Manila city government also expressed its support for the development of the new facility.

Mayor Isko Moreno said the city’s participation is primarily to approve and support the development of the San Pedro Bautista Building, which he believes will benefit those who come to Quiapo.

“Ang partisipasyon lang po namin dito is to approve and support the development of the building – San Pedro Bautista. You have the city that supports development and I am happy for the future noong pasilidad na magagamit ng ating mga dadako dito. Masaya ako dahil kahit papaano unti unti bumabagay sa panahon ung hamon ng panahon ang ating simbahan ng Quiapo,” Mayor Moreno said.

Supporting the Church’s Apostolate

For Architect Stephanie Gilles of SNG Design Enterprise, the project is an opportunity to contribute to the Church’s mission through design.

“Malaki po ang karangalan ang mabigyan kami ng oportunidad para makatulong sa disenyo ng bagong gusali… Malaki po ung magiging tulong nito para sa apostolate dito sa Quiapo” Gilles said.

Ultimately, the San Pedro Bautista Building is envisioned as more than an additional structure within the Quiapo Church complex. It is intended to become a shared space for the clergy, laity and devotees, a place where the community can gather, serve, learn, worship, preserve its heritage and strengthen its faith.

As the number of devotees continues to grow, the new building represents Quiapo Church’s effort to prepare not only for today’s needs but also for the generations of faithful who will continue to come to the home of the Poong Jesus Nazareno.

 

 

 

 

 

Kristan Bernardo, HDN-NPJN | Quiapo Article Writer