Commonly referred to as Binondo Church, the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of San Lorenzo Ruiz was founded by the Dominicans in 1596. Initially dedicated to Saint Gabriel the Archangel, who served as Binondo’s patron until the mid-19th century, it later became known as Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish, venerating the Blessed Virgin Mary as Binondo’s patroness from the early 1700s to the present day.

In 1594, Binondo was acquired by the Spanish Governor, who designated it as a settlement area for Christian Chinese residents. Following the establishment of Binondo, the first iteration of Binondo Church was constructed. Subsequently, Binondo Church emerged as the focal point of the Catholic Chinese community, serving as its central institution.

The present church represents the sixth structure since 1596, with its predecessors succumbing to severe damage or complete destruction from earthquakes, fires, and armed conflicts instigated by foreign invaders over the past four centuries. The Binondo Church, known to many, was completed in 1985 following decades of rehabilitation efforts since 1946. This restoration began two years after the church was devastated by fire during the September 22, 1944 bombing of downtown Manila.

In this church, Filipino martyr Lorenzo Ruiz nurtured his Christian faith while serving as an altar server, sacristan, and escribano before embarking on his fateful journey and eventual death in Japan on September 28, 1637. The historic beatification in 1981 and canonization in 1987 of San Lorenzo Ruiz brought immense blessings to the church he once regarded as his spiritual home. On July 23, 1992, His Holiness Pope John Paul II bestowed upon Binondo Church the title of “minor basilica” in tribute to the first Filipino saint.