While almost always that the entirety of Mindanao is being associated with the Moro population, which in part can be seen by the consolidation of the entire island group under the Moro Province by the Americans, the truth is, it is a place where cultural and religious heritages converge. Zamboanga City is a great example of great diversity at work. Chavacano, the city’s lingua franca, is a Spanish creole that combines Spanish words with Filipino grammatical structures, hence giving Zamboanga City its moniker as the country’s Latin City.

Apart from language, religious diversity is also one thing that makes Zamboanga City a vibrant community. While home to a lot of mosques, it is likewise home to numerous churches. Many people may not realize it, but Catholic Christianity and Islam share more than their Abrahamic roots. One interesting commonality, albeit with fundamental theological differences, is the honor both religions have for Jesus and his mother Mary. Known as Maryam in Islam, Mary is explicitly mentioned 34 times in the Qur’an; a total of 70 if one would include allusions to her. Considered as the greatest woman to have ever lived, Maryam is the Ma’suma, the one who never sinned.

And remember the one who guarded her chastity, so We breathed into her through Our angel, Gabriel, making her and her son a sign for all peoples.

Qur’an 21:91

This runs parallel to the Christian belief that Mary is the Immaculate Mother of Jesus, preserved by God from all forms of sin from the moment of her conception. It is hence fitting that a church dedicated to the most important woman in the two Abrahamic faiths stands in the midst of Zamboanga City.

The façade of the cathedral featuring modern architectural design.

The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is the seat of the Archdiocese of Zamboanga. Located at La Purisima Street in the city center, the cathedral as it stands today is the third structure, built between 1998 to 2002.

Dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the cathedral has two levels. On the ground level is the Chapel of St. Pope Pius X, so honored because he was the one who decreed the foundation of the Diocese of Zamboanga, which was the first in Mindanao.

The Chapel of St. Pope Pius X located at the ground floor of the cathedral.

Apart from its beautiful sanctuary, the chapel houses images of Jesus and some saints on both sides.

It was unfortunate that the upper level of the cathedral was closed when we were there. Thankfully, however, the sides of the church were enclosed with grills, hence seeing the interior of the church and taking some photos were still possible.

After taking some shots of the main church in the upper level, we spent some moments in silent reflection, then took our photo within the vicinity of the church.

This was meaningful for the Renegade Junctures duo given that this was our first in Mindanao, made even more meaningful by having to start it off by visiting a church. We know we are going to see wonderful sights in the days to follow, and visiting a shrine dedicated to the most wonderful creation who bore her creator is a great way to begin.

It was around 04:30 PM when we left the Cathedral and decided to explore the city on foot. With the help of online maps, we set off in a land entirely new to us, clueless where to go but entirely excited nonetheless. As it is in old pueblos, we were pretty sure that where there is a church, there is a plaza and a governmental hall nearby. Our next stop has definitely to be nearby.