Santa Cruz Church was initially built on this same site in 1608 and the Church was consecrated in 1619. It was built north of the Pasig River in Manila and has served a mainly Chinese congregation, being located as it is at the "Gates of Manila's Chinatown". The entire areas is fascinating and well worth a visit if you are in the area. Finally, the Church is a major centre for the Veneration of Our Lady of the Pillar. The statue of Our Lady was imported by the Jesuits from Spain in 1743