-
Church
Description of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Church
The Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish (IHMP) church is a modern religious edifice steeped in history, culture, and art. It is under the care of the Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Cordis Mariae Filius), who are also known as the Claretian Missionaries (or Claretians).
Famous names are associated with this church. Leandro V. Locsin, National Artist for Architecture, designed the church building in 1969. Father Segundo Gutierrez, CMF, internationally renowned Spanish sculptor, designed and created the wooden sculptures of the Risen Lord, the Filipiniana-dressed Immaculate Heart of Mary, and the Tabernacle. Napoleon Abueva, Father of Modern Philippine Sculpture, crafted the 14 Stations of the Cross surrounding the church interior.
Today, a statue of Mother of the Divine Love, the official image of the Claretians, is placed on a pedestal on the left side of the altar. It is a beautifully painted wooden sculpture of Mary sitting on a chair and carrying the baby boy Jesus on her lap. Its location gives parishioners a unique, close, and special opportunity to talk and pray to her. The statue arrived in the Philippines from Italy on June 3 a few days before the parochial feast on June 13, 2015. Fr. Santiago Gonzalez, CMF, former Econome of the Claretian Missionaries, Philippine Province, was mainly responsible for the parish receiving the image as a gift. To him the parish is ever grateful.
Locsin designed the IHMP church with Philippine culture in mind. From an aerial point of view, the church looks like the helmet shell “Budyong”, which is traditionally used as a trumpet to call the people’s attention. Symbolically, it means that God, using the IHMP church as “Budyong”, calls his people to form a community, to abide with Him through the Church. From the ground looking up to the roof, the church looks like a “salakot”, a traditional wide-brimmed Philippine hat.
When one is inside the church, one feels its greatness because the ceiling is high especially in the altar area. The entire floor for the place of worship is actually elevated around 4 meters above the ground, with offices and function rooms occupying the space below it. The church can seat around 1000 people. The wooden pews are newly repaired and reinforced. The kneelers are newly upholstered. Brides dream that on their wedding day they march down the aisle here over the church’s long red carpet.
The church is well-ventilated. The side is always open since it only has metal grills. Air circulates much because of the two (2) large- and two (2) medium-sized Big Ass ceiling fans.
On the right side of the church is a platform for the choir. A new electronic piano and several microphones for the choir have been put in place. 12 speakers surround the church for people to participate better in the Liturgy. Worshipers can now clearly hear the songs, music, readings, and homily. Between the altar and the choir area is a big screen for the LCD projector. Both the choir and the people can see clearly the images and words projected on the screen.
On the left side of the church are two confessional rooms that blend well with the wall. Near the altar is the new air-conditioned baptistery, where baptisms are held.
Fr. Angelito S. Ancla, CMF, has been the parish priest of IMPH since 2011. Under his leadership, the IHMP church has undergone several repairs, renovations and upgrades in order that parishioners can comfortably and properly worship God.
Seating Capacity: 1000 persons
Facilities inside the church:
Sacristy(click)
Adoration Chapel(click),
2 Confessional rooms(click)
Events (click)
-
Parish Office
Picture:
Location: Facing Mahinhin Street, near St. Anthony Garden and Our Lady of Lourdes
garden, next to Bulwagang Claret
Function: This is the office where one may inquire about and avail of the different parish services. It also provides copies of Church records, especially those pertaining to the sacraments.
Events:(click)
-
BEC-SAM Center[Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) and Social Action Ministry (SAM) Center]
Picture:
Location: BEC-SAM Center is the office for the BEC and SAM desks. It is located near the Patio Maria beside Jerusalem Room facing Mayumi Street.
Contact number: (02) 4360006
Events (click)
BEC desk
Function: BEC desk coordinates all the programs and activities related to organizing and animating the different communities of the parish towards the formation of Christian Communities in the neighborhood or grass root level.
Social Action Ministry (SAM) desk
Function: SAM desk is responsible for the operations of Socio-pastoral Action programs and Social Services and Development Ministry (SSDM).
Over-all coordinator: Ms. Lisa Arnaldo
- Outdoor Prayer Areas
- Patio Mariana
- St. Anthony Mary Claret Garden
- Mother and Child Prayer Garden
- Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto
- St. Jude Thaddeus Garden
- Adoration Chapel
- Baptistry
- Mortuaries
- Resurrection Chapel
- Ascension Chapel
- Function Rooms
- Conference Hall: Bulwagang Claret
- Parking area
- Networks and Mission Partners
