Sunday, December 09, 2007
FEU CHAPEL'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY
This art deco chapel was designed by architect Felipe Mendoza who also designed the other buildings within the FEU campus such as the Arts Building and the FEU Hospital (which was torn down some years ago and replaced with a new structure).
What has now become a landmark, the chapel took two years to build and was inaugurated on Dec. 8, 1957. The blessing was conducted by then Manila Archbishop Rufino J. Santos (who would later become cardinal), with former first lady Luz B. Magsaysay as one of its principal sponsors.
Since it can only seat about 300 people, the altar area was elevated by 5 feet so that those standing outside can still see it unobstructed. It has a spacious choir loft, an adoration chapel, and so as to give the interiors a soothing and natural illumination from the outside, huge Romanesque glass windows were installed on its frontage.
The chapel has also become a repository of sort for some artworks by Carlos "Botong" Francisco -- an image of the crucified Christ on the altar, a Station of the Cross mural, and on its facade is a mosaic image of Our Lady of Fatima.
At the back of the church are seminar rooms and offices for the campus' church-oriented student organizations whose activities are coordinated by the Archdiocese of Manila’s Campus Ministry and the University’s Office of Student Affairs and Community Services.
posted by Señor Enrique at 7:05 AM
11 Comments:
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nutart said... Wow! Your note on the FEU chapel's paintings as having been done by Botong Francisco is amazing. He had also done the "Way of the Cross" murals in the UP Chapel! What a prolific artist! Maybe, check it out when you're around the UP campus too.
Thank you for being so generous with your researches, Eric. Your crisp and clean photos are also a big help! Aren't you thinking of coming up with a book?-
said... i agree with nutart eric, your research on your subject are really interesting... so how about a book? :)
http://linophotography.com-
Federico said...
I never thought FEU Chapel actually looked that great! I always pass there everyday yet I only get to notice the McDonalds in the corner since I'm passing thru Claro M. Recto Ü
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Señor Enrique said...
Hi Federico,
If you click on the Related Link below the entry, you'll see how beautiful the entire FEU campus is.
Thanks for dropping by!-
Señor Enrique said...
Thanks, Lino, but these are readily available information; not too much effort involved in digging them up ... hehehe.
You ought to visit the campus of FEU and take some pics :)-
Señor Enrique said...
Yes, someone had also told me to visit the UP Chapel, Bernadette.
There is one Botong mural I'd like to see and photograph. It is the one right next to the mayor's office in Manila City Hall. Someone is arranging for me to get the necessary permit, but it may not be until after the holiday, though :(
As for the book, that may not be for a long while, but many thanks for your kind thoughts.-
carlotta1924 said...
the inside of FEU was a nice surprise to me, coz the place looks small on the outside, let alone even house a big church. the interior of the church is not just spacious, but cool as well
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Señor Enrique said...
It is really a well-designed chapel, Carla. And the campus is also nice. Not to many Manilenyos are even aware of this gem right in the heart of Manila's university belt.
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reyd said...
Thanks again, Eric...
I'll try to visit the campus again on my vacation and I'm really glad that I was a part of that institution even for a short time.-
Señor Enrique said...
You have many fond memories of this school, Reyd. You must visit it one day :)
My pleasure!-
said...
yo, It's in the International Style, not in Art Deco..:) Same with the Arts Building and the former FEU Hospital..:D
