Formally known as the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Candles, the Jaro Cathedral is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Jaro. It is the second national shrine in the Visayas, the first being Basilica del Santo Nino in Cebu.

History

The cathedral was built in 1864, the year when the district was named a diocese by Pope Pius the IX, by order of His Grace Mariano Cuartero, the first bishop of Jaro. But in January 1948, the majestic cathedral of Jaro was destroyed in an earthquake and was restored in 1956. Styled as baroque with the addition of gothic elements, the Jaro Cathedral not only stands as an edifice of the Ilonggos’ faith but also became a destination for tourists looking to glimpse its elegant architecture.

Inside the cathedral, the walls are lined with an all-male collection of religious statues. The only female among them is the Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria (Lady of the Candles), the one rose in the garden. It is rested on a glass shrine carved out of the façade. The crown sitting atop its head was set by Pope John Paul II when he visited and conducted a mass in February 21, 1981. The Lady of the Candles was declared by him as the Patroness of the Western Visayas. The Jaro Cathedral is the first and only cathedral in Panay that was built in 1864.

With its rich history, it is only right that the cathedral should remain standing strong for several coming years as the symbol of the catholic faith of Ilonggos. And with this idea in mind, the walkway leading up to the cathedral was fortified with Primax pavers that will help the church endure the test of time. The paved area, in its own way, had contributed to preserving the history of one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.