Before us stands Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Chapel a testament to faith and resilience. This chapel isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a historical landmark. Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Chapel stands on the second floor of St. La Salle Hall. This is the oldest building of De La Salle University in Manila.
The chapel’s story begins long before its current location. The school’s first chapel opened in 1912. This was a year after De La Salle College first welcomed students. As the school grew it needed a new chapel. In 1926 fundraising began for the construction of a new chapel. On November 17 1939 the chapel was finally completed. It was dedicated to Saint Joseph. President Manuel L. Quezon and his wife Aurora Quezon attended the dedication. The architect Tomás Mapúa designed Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Chapel. He used the Art Deco style. The pews were crafted from narra wood. Each pew featured the Signum Fidei Star. This symbolized faith and the De La Salle Brothers.
But Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Chapel’s history isn’t without tragedy. During World War II in 1945 the chapel became a site of horrific violence. Retreating Japanese troops massacred civilians seeking refuge within its walls. They wrongly believed its thick walls would protect them. Over sixty people died. This dark chapter is memorialized by a historical marker installed in 2020. It marked 75 years after the Liberation of Manila. Only ten survived the massacre.
After the war Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Chapel needed restoration. In 1946 Archbishop Michael J. O’Doherty permitted a reconciliation ceremony. The chapel was re-dedicated to the Most Blessed Sacrament in 1947. A ceremony of reparation took place to atone for the desecrations. The chapel has been maintained and renovated over the years. The De La Salle Alumni Association donated funds in 2000 for a major renovation. This restored the chapel to its original splendor. Stained glass stations were cleaned. The sanctuary was enhanced with narra parquet extensions. Statues were restored to their original places. Backlighting was added to the rose window above the main altar. The crucifix in the cupola was illuminated.
Today Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Chapel remains an active place of worship. It stands as a symbol of hope. It shows the enduring spirit of the community. In 2014 the chapel celebrated its 75th Jubilee. A Mass was presided over by a De La Salle University alumnus Rev. Fr. Benildus Maramba. Take a moment to appreciate the architectural details. Feel the weight of history within these walls. Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Chapel is more than just a building. It’s a living testament to faith, resilience and memory.