Magellan's Cross

As Philippines is known to be the only Christian nation in Asia, we come to see the need to find the roots of Christianity here in our country.  On April 21, 1521, a voyager by the name of Ferdinand Magellan arrived in Cebu. Upon his arrival the famous “Magellan’s Cross” was planted  and housed in a small chapel just beside the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño.

This cross marks the roots of Christianity in the Philippines. It is also one of Cebu’s famous landmarks and can be found on the seal of Cebu City. Some people believe that the original cross is no longer there after the Spaniards invaded Cebu.  But one thing is true, the cross you will see there is no longer the original one.  The original cross is encased inside that wooden cross we see in the center of the chapel.   This is to avoid people from chipping off its parts for souvenir.

 

Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magellan’s_Cross