In response to Vagnozzi's request, a group of Irish Carmelite friars sent to the Philippines initially considered building at either Horseshoe Drive or Gregorio Araneta Avenue, both in Quezon City. However, in 1954, the Carmelites decided to build it at a lot along Broadway Avenue. The land where the basilica stands today was a cogon field that was part of the original estate owned by Magdalena Hemady, the balae or in-law of then-senator Claro M. Recto.[4]
During the 1950s, residents of New Manila would eagerly walk to attend Mass at the nearby Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Cubao, which served as the parish church of New Manila. Other residents would also attend Mass at the Christ the King Mission Seminary along E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue or at the Carmelite Convent along Gilmore Avenue. But other residents would also walk or drive as far as the Santa Mesa Parish (now Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish) in Santa Mesa, Manila or the Santo Domingo Church further north.[4]
Construction and opening
The cornerstone of the Mount Carmel Parish was blessed on December 30, 1954. It took a decade for the church to be completed, with the inauguration taking place on July 16, 1964, the feast day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with Cardinal-Archbishop of Manila Rufino Santos leading the inauguration.[4]
The church later became a popular location for wedding scenes in the movies. It also became a popular church for actual wedding ceremonies; this is attributed to the lower fees charged at the shrine compared to other churches and the long aisle walk favored by many brides.[4]
On February 17, 1975, the church was established as a parish by Cardinal-Archbishop of Manila Jaime Sin.[6]
Contemporary
From 2015 to 2016, the altar was renovated. Its interior has also been coated with paint for the first time since it was built in 1954.[4] On December 14, 2015, the parish was solemnly declared a national shrine.[6]
Designed by Architect Maximo Vicente Jr.[7] and built in the Modernist style on a Latin cross (cruciform) layout, the shrine is located on a 17,155-square-meter (184,650 sq ft) lot along Broadway Avenue in between 4th and 5th Streets. Behind the church is the St. John of the Cross Seminary.[4]
The story of the life of the Virgin Mary is depicted in the stained glass windows of the church, starting from her early life until her Assumption.[7]
The shrine also contains a columbarium at its lower level.
Venerated Marian image
The venerated Marian image as it is crowned in 2020
The venerated image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is placed at the right side altar of the basilica. The de tallado image was designed and sculpted by Vicente Jr.'s father, Maximo Vicente, Sr. (1885–1964),[7] who is hailed as a master sculptor of religious images. He is also the founder of his shop of religious images, the Talleres de Maximo Vicente.[10]
The de tallado image depicts Mary with the Child Jesus on her left arm and a scepter on her right hand. Both the Madonna and the Child wear golden crowns, with the Madonna wearing the colors of the Carmelite order: brown, pale caramel, and white. A golden ring with stars serves as the halo of the Madonna.[7]
On February 20, 2017, the venerated image had its episcopal coronation (images that are crowned through a decree from the diocesan bishop or archbishop).[7]
