The Greenbelt Chapel in Makati is the vision of a woman who wanted to see a bit of New York’s St Patrick’s Cathedral in Manila. She also wanted to have a chapel “built for busy office employees and working people right in the heart of Makati Business District” as per the words on the tablet at the entrance to the church. This explains the surprising choice of site right in the heart of the commercial area of the city near a luxury shopping mall. Since its inauguration in 1983 the Greenbelt Chapel has been the spiritual home of the Sto, Nino de Paz (holy child of peace) community and has been a space for worship and healing which continues to be an oasis of spiritual sustenance.
Set amidst the lush tropical greenery of a well maintained garden in Greenbelt Park in the vicinity of a pond full of lotuses and koi fish, the church with its prominent shell like dome is only one of two domed churches in the country. It was not part of the development plans of the greenbelt series of malls and it was only at the request of a devout woman that the chapel was established to benefit the people who live and work in the Makati area.
It was designed by a group of Filipino architects and a renowned Filipino glass sculptor who fabricated the ceiling, the tabernacle, the altar, the giant cross at the entrance, the sacristy and God the Father image on the dome. The unique open sided design sets the building apart from other more conventionally designed religious buildings and makes it one of the ‘must visit’ sights of Makati. The open sides create an illusion of depth and by all accounts the architecture is conducive to prayer and meditation. Many people who pray at the chapel say that it is where they go to when feeling down and a quiet few minutes of praying there can uplift spirits. The chapel remains as it was designed 30 years ago.
Mass is heard three times a day. Many people take a break from work by attending mass to refresh the soul. It is also a lovely place to enjoy some coolness when it is hot outside. With no walls the chapel welcomes everybody irrespective of whether they pray or just wish to sit there and admire the surroundings.
Stay at the well located Ascott Makati close to business, shopping, dining and entertainment destinations. The other plus points of this short stay apartment Manila are its well designed comfortable spaces and contemporary facilities and amenities a boon to both corporate and leisure clients. These Manila serviced apartments feature fully equipped penthouses, studios and one to three bedroom residences that have all the required modern conveniences and services making it a destination of choice for many travellers.
