Picture this. You are standing before the majestic Christ the King Parish Church in Quezon City. Its elliptical shape rises gracefully. The church isn’t just a building. It’s a testament to faith and community.
Christ the King Parish Church started humbly. In the 1970s it was a small chapel in White Plains Village. Priests from other parishes served its growing community. The need for a larger church was clear. The community’s desire to become its own parish solidified. On November 25 1979 Cardinal Jaime Lachica Sin celebrated a mass. Christ the King Parish was officially established as part of the Diocese of Manila. It served several thriving communities. These included Bagumbayan Corinthian Gardens Greenmeadows Libis Saint Ignatius and White Plains.
The original chapel proved too small. A new church was necessary. This is where the story gets interesting. Ismael Mathay Jr and Mauro Calaguio played key roles. They convinced Paquito Ortigas to donate land in Greenmeadows. This generous act paved the way for the construction of a larger more fitting church. The land donation was celebrated in a mass with several bishops in attendance.
Architect Angel Abad designed the church. He did this free of charge. Construction began on April 27 1980. The dedication and fundraising involved the whole community. Movie premieres and car raffles were held. Novena Masses and Misa de Gallo raised funds. Even crypts were sold to raise money for construction. This innovative fundraising method addressed the rising cost of burial plots.
The church was finally completed on June 30 1988. Cardinal Sin consecrated it on October 30 of the same year. Its unique design is a modernist marvel. The curving dome soars to 24.3 meters at its highest point. It gracefully slopes down to 76.2 meters at its lowest. The interior is airy and bright. Large glass windows flood the space with natural light.
The original statue of Christus Rex was considered too small. It was replaced in 1996 by a larger 6 meter tall sculpture. This was the work of Manuel and Ronald Casal a father and son team of sculptors. The new statue and its accompanying retablo showcase a blend of modernist and neoclassical styles. The retablo’s intricate details add to the church’s beauty. Symbols like the pineapple a sign of welcome and the Christogram JHS enhance the spiritual significance.
Over the years Christ the King Parish continued to grow. Additions included the Parish Formation Center a Perpetual Adoration Chapel and the Lingap Center. The Lingap Center managed by the Ladies of Charity provides daycare for senior citizens. It also raises funds for scholarships and runs feeding programs for children.
The church’s interior also evolved. A pipe organ was installed and a baptistery was added. Sculptures and artwork continue to be added. These reflect the ongoing artistic endeavors to reflect and enhance the spiritual experience. Most recently Mary’s Garden was unveiled. This peaceful space invites quiet prayer and devotion.
The Christ the King Parish Church in Quezon City is more than a place of worship. It’s a vibrant and ever-evolving community center. Its growth demonstrates its parishioners’ unwavering dedication to their faith and their service to others. It stands as a symbol of enduring faith and community spirit a beacon of hope for all who enter its doors.