Our Lady of Atonement (Baguio Cathedral)

Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral, better known as Baguio Cathedral, is a Catholic cathedral located at Cathedral Loop, adjacent to Session Road in Baguio City in the Philippines. It is distinct for its rose-colored exterior and is one of the most photographed buildings in Baguio City.

Construction on the cathedral itself was begun in 1920, under the leadership of the then-parish priest,Fr. Florimono Carlu. The building was completed by 1936, and consecrated that year, dedicated to Our Lady of Atonement.

During World War II, the cathedral served as an evacuation center. It withstood the carpet-bombing of Baguio City in 1945. The remains of thousands of bombing victims during the war are interred within the grounds of the cathedral.

The Cathedral facade

The cathedral has a distinct pink facade with a rose window and twin square bell towers with pyramidal roofs.


Within its large courtyard is a view deck that overlooks Session Road and the downtown commercial district of Baguio City. The cathedral is accessible to pedestrians from Session Road through a 100-step stone staircase, or through the adjacent campus of Saint Louis University. 

The 100 step stone staircase

The Parish Priest of the Baguio Cathedral is Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Panayo. 

Renovations beginning in 2006 have included the industrial-type canopy surrounding the entirety of the fragile historic structure, the covered stairway from Session Road that now obstructs the view of the Church from Session Road, a new Plaza in front of the Church complete with parachute on special days to block souvenir photographs, new shrine for candle offerings, repaved paid-parking areas, and relocated main gate.

Parking area on the left side of the Church

Parking area on the right side of the Church

Left side of the Church

The Nativity Scene in front of the Church

Right side of the Church

  
Inside the Church:

Main Entrance

Going to the main altar

The Main Altar

Jesus Christ on the Cross on the Altar

From the inside facing the main entrance

The left second floor of the Church

The Pipe organ on the right second floor of the church

Baguio Cathedral about 25 to 30  years ago

Personal Reflection:  

My wife and I really missed the old Baguio Cathedral about 30 years ago.Although the church interior and exterior hasn't changed much, what we observed now is the "cramped feeling" on the church patio, due to the construction of the big canopy and parking area on the left side of the church. I am not an expert on wind directions but this edifice is somewhat blocking the fresh cool air coming from Burnham Park. I remember, we used to drink coffee during late afternoon on the coffee shop right beside the church and the feeling is so relaxing and comforting. But now, this is all gone. 

How to get to there:

By public transportation: Upon reaching Baguio City, hail a taxi cab (Tamaraw FX or Kia Pride) and ask  the driver to bring you to the Baguio Cathedral. From the major bus terminal in Baguio, the fare would be less than P30.00 


By private vehicle: From Burnham park, take the Session road and make a left turn before reaching the Rotonda and make another left turn where you will see the entrance to the church patio. There is ample parking space around the church but you have to pay a parking fee.


Baguio: Summer Capital of the Philippines

 Known as one of the industrialized cities in the Northern part of the Philippines, Baguio is hailed as the summer capital of the Philippines. 

Many people visit this city every summer because of its cold weather and attractive tourist spots.

Naguilian Highway, Marcos Highway and Kennon Road are the three accessible roads to the city. The most famous route to the city is Kennon Road, however, it is dangerous to take that route during the rainy season because the road is prone to land slides. In this case, travelers who want to visit the city is advised to travel by air since the city has an airport which is named as Loakan Airport.

Kennon Road

Marcos Highway

Baguio City is a big city in the Northern region of the Philippines. Based on the Baguio Diocese office, the city has 22 Catholic Churches, 9 of which are supervised by the Diocese of Baguio, including the Baguio Cathedral under the leadership of Bishop + Carlito J. Cenzon, CICM ,DD.

The Session Road, is very popular for restaurants and other business establishments that attract tourists and travelers to the area. 

Aside from the Session Road area, Mines View Park, Camp John Hay and Burnham Park are the other tourist attractions in the area. For travelers who want to have a look at some tourist spots in city, they can also visit the vacation house of every Philippine president in Baguio.

The Mansion

It is also exciting and luring to have a tour at some of the strawberry farms of the city. In addition, the city is also renowned for its top universities and colleges such as University of the Philippines Baguio, University of Baguio and Saint Louis University. Above all, Baguio is where the popular Philippine Military Academy is located.

 

Many foreigners visit the place during February because it is the month in which the famous and luring Panagbenga Festival or Flower Festival is held. 

For those who want to visit the city during these times, they are advised to book in hotels in Baguio in advance. 

Thank you and enjoy your stay in Baguio City! God bless!