The Much Beloved Mount Carmel Church in New Manila, Quezon City

The Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Quezon City, Philippines

One time I arrived in Cubao bus station, the one near Alimall, after about 11 hour travel from Sorsogon to Manila. My father fetched me together with our family driver. Once my bags were properly loaded in my sister's car my father invited me to take breakfast at the nearby Jollibee store at the side of Alimall, the one facing Rustan's supermarket.

Bulletin Board showing the list of schedules for Worships and Sacraments in the Shrine

It took me long to finish my breakfast because I was very tired. I decided to read the newspapers instead to see the latest news. After sometime I thought of going to Totus Bookstore in Greenhills owned by Defensores Fidei chairman Bro. Henry Siy. However, it was still too early because Ms. Lerma the saleslady was not yet around. She was still attending the Holy Mass at the parish nearby.

The towering facade of the Shrine of Mount Carmel with Our Lady's image crowning its front like a lovely jewel

So, I decided to leave Greenhills and on our way home I saw this tall and huge tower of Mount Carmel Church. Of course this is famous in the Philippines because a lot of famous personalities were given funeral services here. This is also dear to Marian Devotees. I told the driver to stop and let us visit the Church to pray.

The same church as seen from the entrance drive

As soon as I've finished praying I started roaming in and around the beautiful Church to take pictures. It is so huge and exudes an atmosphere of solemnity and grace. The exterior was like a dominating tower engulfing those in front and the place of worship inside is too spacious as if embracing each believer from those afar to those nearby.

As the sun was rising one by one stream of devotees were flocking in to pray in silence and to wait for the Holy Mass. Thank God I have finished taking shots before these devotees came in. There is no need for me to disturb them in prayers just for me to get the best shots.

The statue of St. Teresa of Avila in front of the Shrine of Mount Carmel

As we returned to Totus Bookstore which is just a few minutes away I offered a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord for the grace of having visited the Shrine. May the Lord grant the prayers and intentions of all those who were coming to that shrine to be with Him, to as forgiveness of their sins and in starting the newlife. May through the intercession of Mary our country grow deeper in our Catholic Faith and in serving the Lord Jesus and His Church.

The text in front of the statue of St. Teresa of Avila

The statue of St. John of the Cross also outside the Shrine opposite to that of St. Teresa of Avila

The interior of the Church from the entrance of the shrine

Early in the morning the Shrine looks so spacious and so solemn

St. Joseph and the Child Jesus

St. Anthony of Padua with the Child Jesus on his arms

I am not so sure if this is a pilgrim Jesus or St. Jude Thaddeus

The Empress-Mother of Constantine, St. Helen the Finder of the True Cross

St. Martin de Porres Beautiful Stained Glasses depicting the Mysteries of the Holy Rosary

The Marble basin of Holy Water

The beautiful Confessional Box

The Altar of the Blessed Virgin

A faithful praying early morning before the Blessed Sacrament

The Holy Altar at the center of the Sanctuary with the Holy Cross reigning on top

The Cross and the Altar

Large and beautiful Stained Glass depicting the Apparitions and Miracles of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Another stained glass on the other side of the Church

The Lecturn

The Altar of St. Joseph

The benches for worshippers

Another set of Stained Glasses depicting the Mysteries of the Holy Rosary

The Santo Intierro

Large Sea Shell serving as Holy Water basin

The Little Flower of Jesus - St. Therese of the Child Jesus

St. Pio of Pietrelcina

St. Lorenso Ruiz of Manila, the First Filipino Saint

St. Teresa of Avila

St. John of the Cross

The Sacred Heart of Jesus