Private places for prayer
There are a few among the faithful whose devotion runs so deep that they have felt the need to build a private place for prayer on the grounds of their home.
We take a look today at three family chapels whose origins may vary but common to them is that they serve as tangible expressions of gratitude and love.
Tantoco family chapel: Honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe
Maritess Tantoco Enriquez, youngest daughter of Ambassador Bienvenido and Gliceria Tantoco, founders of Rustan’s, shared the beginnings of their family chapel adjacent to her parents’ home.
The cathedral in Pagsanjan was raising funds to rebuild their church which suffered from a fire. The jewelry worn by the image of the Lady of Guadalupe was offered to the family members who were patrons of the cathedral. The ambassador purchased them which led them to commission a replica of the statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe so that she could wear the antique jewelry that was truly meant for her.
The master sculptor of religious images, Maximo Vicente, created the lovely statue and he himself said it was the most beautiful image he had ever made. The image of Our Lady was initially placed in a niche in their first house but when the family moved to another home within the same village, it was decided that a chapel be built in her honor in 1982.
The chapel was made to be cohesive with the elegant design of the house which reminds one of the Spanish colonial style. Of note are the 14 Stations of the Cross painted by the artist Nemesio Miranda. Departed family used to be interred here, but have since been transferred to another resting place. Today, photographs of their beloved deceased remain in the chapel.
Maritess shares that “The chapel is still in use for special occasions like mom’s and dad’s birthday and death anniversary or First Friday or Ash Wednesday Masses.” There are also anticipated Sunday Masses celebrated here on Saturdays for family members, which is a nice way of also gathering together.
Benitez family chapel: Dedicated to the holy family
Helena Tirona Benitez, former senator, chair of the Philippine Women’s University and founder of the Bayanihan Dance Company, built a chapel in 2006 on the gardens of her home. This home is known as the beautiful Miranila Heritage House along Mariposa St. in Quezon City and is open to visitors. Its custodian is Petty Benitez Johannot, herself an author and professor of art history, carrying on the tradition of her aunt as educator and culture advocate.
Petty shares that “Helena Benitez has always wanted to have a chapel to honor the spirit of family, hence the name, Chapel of the Holy Family. She transferred the bones of her parents (Conrado Francia Benitez and Francisca Paredes Tirona) to the chapel when it was completed. She herself is interred there, as is her first cousin, Emma Benitez Valeriano.”
The chapel had a long gestation period in Helena’s heart and mind, she wrote in a souvenir program given on the day of its blessing which happened to be her 92nd birthday. Having grown up in a nurturing family, she credits her mother with passing on to her and her siblings precious family values and living the motto of service to God, country and home. And because of this, she could find “no better model of family solidarity, love and caring than that of the Holy Family” to whom the chapel is dedicated.
Designed by Rosary Liboro Benitez, Petty’s sister, and architect Foy Yap, the building was completed in exactly 100 days. The main altar has a stained glass window designed and executed by Kraut Art Glass, and overseen by Robert Kraut himself. Artists involved are Ramon Orlina who made the tabernacle, a crucifix outside the chapel by Eduardo Castrillo and the baptismal font by Napoleon Abueva which came a little later.
The chapel is in use only for special Masses. If the liturgical celebration involves a another sacrament, such as a wedding, special permission must be obtained from the archdiocese of Cubao.
Helena was able to spend a whole decade celebrating significant events with her family at the chapel until she joined her Creator at the age of 102.
Ponce-Enrile family chapel: The Oratory Of Our Lady Of Fatima
Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Cristina Ponce-Enrile, former ambassador to the Holy See and spouse of the late Senator Juan Ponce-Enrile, is a pious woman who often experienced some health challenges. Because of this, according to her designer and close friend Tony Adriano, she would often request for Masses to be celebrated at her home. The group attending Mass with her would eventually grow to include family and friends. The idea then came to her to build a chapel.
Tony said it was not an easy road. Building a private chapel on residential property was not approved—at first. After much prayer and novenas offered, it was finally granted.
There was a first chapel of lighter materials built in 1978, but a storm caused it to be damaged. It was then replaced with a sturdier and permanent structure. Tony was given the free hand to design the chapel. He envisioned an oratory that upon entering one would feel the awe of communicating with the Lord. Tony himself was an active Church server since he was nine years old. Being well-versed with the sacred rules of design, he made sure it was done in accordance to the liturgical requirements of the Church.
It can accommodate at least a hundred people seated, and extra chairs are brought in when necessary. Mass for special occasions are celebrated here as was the wake of the late senator. Tony recalls the chapel was flooded with flowers. Anticipated Sunday Mass is continuously held here every Saturday for family members and visiting friends.
Cristina and her family chose to dedicate the chapel to Our Lady of Fatima, and a plaque at the church entrance recalls that joyful New Year’s day, Jan. 1, 2007, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.
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