Beneath the sky of Quezon City rises the Most Holy Redeemer Parish. It stands as a testament to faith. This church began as a small chapel in Balic-Balic Manila. It bordered Quezon City during the Commonwealth era.
In 1954 the Most Holy Redeemer Parish was officially established. This fulfilled Quezon City residents’ desire for their own parish. They no longer had to cross city borders. By 1962 the present church structure was designed by Arch Vicente O. Durán. Cardinal Rufino Jiao Santos blessed it. From 1962 to 1973 Missionaries of the Sacred Heart administered the parish.
The Most Holy Redeemer Parish embodies the International Style of architecture. Clean geometric forms define it. The church uses high ceilings and large stained glass windows. These maximize light and airflow adapting to the Philippine tropical climate.
Later developments included a Baroque styled retablo at the altar. This altarpiece houses religious icons. On the left side is Saint Joseph with the Christ Child. A relief of the Nativity Scene is also visible. The Sagrada Familia is at the center of the retablo instead of the Crucified Christ. On the right is Saint John. There is also a relief of Christ Healing the Sick.
The altar table features reliefs of the Four Evangelists. The lectern has the Latin words “Dei Verbum”. This translates to “The Word of God”.
The Most Holy Redeemer Parish has a collection of santos throughout the church. These are especially present at the choir loft. The church reclaims Halloween as All Hallow’s Eve. On October 31 parishioners hold a procession of saints. Children dress up as saints.
Stained glass windows accent the simple design. Most windows use primary colors. Smaller stained glass windows at the altar show the Four Evangelists. The porch window features the Blessed Virgin Mary. She is shown as “Our Mother of the Most Holy Redeemer”.
Another icon is “Our Lady of the Sacred Heart”. This is based on the image by French priest Jules Chevalier. San Lorenzo Ruiz stands at the right of the church portal. He is the first Filipino saint.
The bell tower has the same sky blue color as the facade. It looks like a water tower. Parish offices and the Adoration Chapel are to the left of the church. Above the chapel entrance is a relief of Christ Praying. Inside is Mark 14:31 “Can you not watch one hour with Me?”.
An old cemetery called “Himlayan” rests on the far right. Many old residents of Barangay Galas are interred here. The Most Holy Redeemer Parish has long been a community center. As the population grew the parish split. In 1974 Our Lady of Fatima Parish was established. The Most Holy Redeemer Parish continues to influence the area.
The Feast Day is celebrated every first Sunday of May.
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