Some of the treasures of the history of the Province of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine of the Order of Augustinian Recollects and the environments and spaces where it has carried out its work throughout history and today.
Cavite City, once a renowned colonial city on par with Manila, is no longer the shadow of its former self. Although it shares its name with the historic province, it is neither the capital (which is Trece Martires City) nor the seat of the diocese (Imus). For over a century, it boasted a port, shipyards, an arsenal, and military garrisons, attracting a population more Spanish than Filipino.
The Augustinian Recollects were compelled to establish a religious community in Cavite at the insistence of the Caviteños, just ten years after their arrival in the Philippines. In 1616, they began constructing the convent and church, made entirely of solid masonry, financed by the generosity of the faithful. From the start, it functioned strictly as a convent, not a parish, although the religious zealously exercised their ministry.
In 1898, the cosmopolitan Cavite was bombarded by United States naval forces. Several grenades damaged the Recollect convent, leaving the church almost in ruins. American troops completed the destruction, and soon after, the Chinese from the arsenal occupied the buildings. An eyewitness reported that the Chinese looted and razed the wooden parts of the choir, altar, pulpit, pillars, and the ground floor of the church, as well as the doors and windows of the convent, all in the presence of the resident friars.
By 1906, the religious still resided there, and in the 1920s and 1930s, the church’s façade stood, as evidenced by photographs. In 1944, the building was put up for sale, and remnants were still visible by the end of the 1980s.
Today, only the bell tower has withstood the centuries, surrounded by shanties that obstruct access. Nevertheless, the four ruined building frames and the pinnacle remain, standing proud and splendid.
According to international guides, Cavite lacks authentic tourist attractions from the 17th century—a sad reality. However, this is not entirely accurate: the Augustinian Recollect Tower of Cavite City has endured, albeit hidden. It stands, awaiting the curious gaze of those who seek it and the poignant, grateful memories of the Augustinian Recollect Family.
