Cover The facade of the Santa Monica Parish Church which holds a first-class relic (Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Ramon FVelasquez)
The facade of the Santa Monica Parish Church which holds a first-class relic (Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Ramon FVelasquez)
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Looking to do some relic hunting? Here’s where to start
Across the Philippines, you’ll find thousands of centuries-old churches that speak volumes of our devotion. However, apart from their rich history and breathtaking architecture, a few of them house priceless relics that allow pilgrims a chance to connect with the saints and Jesus Christ himself on a spiritual level. From first-class relics such as shards of the True Cross and the blood of revered saints to second-class relics like a stone from the Virgin Mary’s home in Nazareth, this list narrows down five sanctuaries with holy relics open to the public.
More from Tatler: Holy Week 2025: Here are 5 churches and sanctuaries that tell a story
Manila Cathedral
Above The Shard of the True Cross relic on the Jubilee Cross at the Manila Cathedral (Photo: Instagram/Tina Panganiban-Perez)
The Shard of the True Cross relic on the Jubilee Cross at the Manila Cathedral (Photo: Instagram/Tina Panganiban-Perez)
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Originally constructed in 1571 as a parish church, the Manila Cathedral has had eight iterations over its lifespan. In 1595, the cathedral received a number of relics from 155 martyrs, 20 popes, Saint Polycarp, and Saint Potenciana—prompting the construction of a side structure to house the sacred artefacts.
While the relics from 1595 are no longer on display, the Manila Cathedral has seen many relics over the years, such as the first-class blood relic of Pope Saint John Paul II and a relic from the body of Pope Saint John XXIII, which were exhibited in 2018 for the cathedral’s 60th post-war rebuilding anniversary. Today, the public can view the Shard of the True Cross, which is enshrined on the Jubilee 2000 Cross. It is said that this is a fragment of the actual cross that Jesus Christ was crucified on.
Nuestra Señora de la Annunciata Parish
Above The Holy Stone Relic from the House of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Nazareth at the Nuestra Senora de la Annunciata Parish (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
The Holy Stone Relic from the House of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Nazareth at the Nuestra Senora de la Annunciata Parish (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
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First built as a mission church by Franciscan missionaries in 1669, the Nuestra Señora de la Annunciata Parish—more commonly known as Boso-boso Church—has survived many calamities such as natural disasters and war.
In an effort to spread devotion to Our Lady of the Annunciation, locally called inay ciata, the Holy Land established Gemellagio Spirituale (Spiritual Twinning) between the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, Israel and the Nuestra Señora de la Annunciata Parish in Antipolo on December 18, 2023. The parish then received the Holy Stone Relic, which is believed to be from the house of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Nazareth.
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Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina
Above The Blood of Padre Pio Relic at the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
The Blood of Padre Pio Relic at the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina (Photo: Gabriel Bohol)
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Formerly known as the San Pedro Calungsod Parish, this church is now a sanctuary dedicated to Padre Pio of Pietrelcina. The church itself bears a simple architecture with an overlooking view of Metro Manila’s skyline, making it a beautiful site for pilgrimages. At the basement lies a First-class Blood Relic of Padre Pio—entrusted to the church in 2019 by Fra Carlo Maria Laborde, OFM Cap.
Monasterio de Tarlac
Above The Shard of the True Cross Relic at the Monasterio de Tarlac (Photo Gabriel Bohol)
The Shard of the True Cross Relic at the Monasterio de Tarlac (Photo Gabriel Bohol)
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A massive sanctuary popular among long-distance pilgrims, the Monasterio de Tarlac holds another fragment of the True Cross. It is said that the cross was discovered around 325 to 326 AD when Emperor Constantine ordered Saint Macarius to build a church on the site of the temple dedicated to the Roman Goddess, Venus. Upon razing the temple, Christ’s sepulchre was found, and the cross was sent to Constantinople—presently known as Istanbul, Turkey. The cross was then cut into pieces and divided among the conquering knights as treasure, and later, distributed to churches and monasteries across Europe.
The relic found its way to the Philippines when a Filipino priest, Father Archie A Cortez, was invited by Mr Lutz Ruhloff, president of the Philippine-German Association, to be a guest at the World Youth Day in 2005. This event led to Cortez meeting Monsignor Volker Bauer of the Diocese of Essen, Germany, who then entrusted the sacred relic to the Servants of the Risen Christ Monastic Community.
Santa Monica Parish Church
Above A relic of Saint Rita de Cascia at the Santa Monica Parish Church (Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Ramon FVelasquez)
A relic of Saint Rita de Cascia at the Santa Monica Parish Church (Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Ramon FVelasquez)
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Founded in 1614 as a visita of the municipality of Macabebe, Pampanga, the Santa Monica Parish Church—locally known as the Minalin Church—is one of the first 20 missions established by the Augustinians upon arrival in the Philippines. In 2011, the National Museum of the Philippines declared it a National Cultural Treasure.
Inside the church, a modest retablo sits in the corner containing a first-class relic of the bones of Saint Rita de Cascia alongside a statue of Saint Monica, patron saint of mothers, wives, widows, prodigal children, and abuse victims.
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Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
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