Sta Monica Parish in Tondo, Manila

Sta. Monica Parish Church is a church right there along one of the narrow and busy streets of Tondo, Manila.

Going to Sta Monica Parish Church in Tondo, Manila was a quietly moving experience. I had searched its location on Google Maps and was carefully going through Dagupan St, reading each street post, watching out for Jose Basa St. I was still caught off guard and did not quite realize that I had reached the church until I was in front of it.

Sta Monica Parish Church has no esplanade that usually announces to you even from afar that you are approaching a church. This is why I consider this church to have an understated facade.

Facade of Sta Monica Church in Tondo, Manila

Inside, the altarpiece is mainly of color white and gold and is presided by a big crucifix that invites you to pray. On the left side is a statue of St Monica and on the right that of her son, St Augustine. Below their statues are their respective relics.

Altarpiece of Sta Monica Parish

Relic of St Augustine located below his statue on the altarpiece

On both sides of the church are a gallery of saints.

The noise from outside could not be completely blocked off from within the church. Nonetheless, the interior itself encourages one to pray.

Sta Monica Church in Tondo, Manila reminds one that you can find God in the middle of the busiest street, in the noise that surrounds one's life. It is right there smack in the middle of where you are going to or where you are coming from.