The administration of the Santo Niño de Pandacan Parish in Manila is confident that through the help of the faithful, the historic church that was gutted by fire recently, will soon open its doors to churchgoers.

Parish priest Rev. Fr. Sanny de Claro said engineers and architects who will lead in the reconstruction of the church continue to meet on a limited basis because of the pandemic.

“The true church is the faithful who comprise the community of believers who give praise to God at the church. They will be the ones to help rebuild the church,” De Claro said over Church-run Radio Veritas.

“The cry and longing to worship God, because to build the church is a collaborative effort of the people who long to worship God. We are the true church,” the priest added.

Fr. de Claro also expressed his gratitude to Manila Mayor Isko Moreno who gave a donation for the rebuilding of the church.

Many others have likewise extended financial aid for the reconstruction of the church, which was gutted by fire last July 10, that included the revered image of the Santo Nino de Pandacan.

Caritas Manila, the social action arm of the Archdiocese of Manila, for its part, assured the parish of a monthly stipend of Php100,000 until the completion of its reconstruction work.

“We continue to appeal to the faithful to help in the rebuilding of the church. There are no small or big amounts for as long as the assistance is from the heart. All these will be a big help to rebuild the Santo de Pandacan,” De Claro said.