PXL_20250425_212223061

Sat, 14 Feb 2026 07:49:22 +0100

CHAPEL OF SAINT PHILIP OF JESUS

Dedicated in 1636 to the first Mexican Saint: Felipe de las Casas, better known as Saint Philip of Jesus, martyred on February 5, 1597, and canonized in 1862. The main altarpiece dates from the 18th century, in the anastyle Baroque style, with angels carrying palms in clear allusion to martyrdom. The sculpture of Saint Philip is from the 17th century, and that of the Benedictine nun, Saint Gertrude, from the 18th century; both are carved, gilded, and polychromed wood. The presence of the sculpture of Saint Gertrude in the altarpiece reflects her connection to the cross, as she not only had visions of Christ's Passion, but also
bore the five wounds on her own body.

The anonymous paintings of excellent quality depict scenes from the life of Saint Philip of Jesus, with the exception of those at the top, which, in keeping with the iconographic program, represent the martyrdom of the brother apostles Peter and Andrew, who were crucified like the Mexican saint.

On February 5, 2002, the relics of Saint Philip of Jesus were placed in this chapel in a reliquary in the shape of a cross, carved and gilded by Leonardo Soto.

The altarpiece on the left dates from the 17th century, but unfortunately, it has undergone several modifications. It is dedicated to Saint Rose of Lima, Patron Saint of Spanish America, canonized as the first saint of Latin America in 1671. The sculpture of Saint Rose with the Child Jesus dates from the 17th century. The 17th-century paintings, attributed to Cristóbal de Villalpando, depict the following scenes: "Birth of Saint Rose," "Institution of the Name Rose," "Apparition of the Child to Saint Rose," "Dice Game between Saint Rose and Jesus," "Apparition of Christ on the Cross to Saint Rose," "Vision of the Stake," "Temptations of Saint Rose of Lima," "Penance of Saint Rose of Lima and Vision of Purgatory," "Penance of Saint Rose on the Cross," "Saint Rose of Lima and Jesus Weigh Their Crowns," "Mystical Marriage of Saint Rose," and "Death of Saint Rose." In the urn on the right side of the chapel lie the remains of Don Agustín de Iturbide, the consummator of Mexican Independence. His remains were transferred to this capital in October 1838. On the pedestal that supports the urn is the heart of Don Anastasio Bustamante, President of Mexico for two terms: 1830-1832 and 1837-1841. The gilded throne located near the wall belonged to Iturbide. Adjacent to the chapel is the baptismal font in which, according to tradition, Saint Philip of Jesus was baptized, probably in 1572.