Serene retreat for Caloocan mall goers

The 14 Stations of the Cross in stained glass mosaic windows designed by VitreArtus Liturgical Arts.
During the chapel dedication and blessing: SM Prime Holdings executive committee chair Hans Sy Sr., Carol Sy, Caloocan Diocese Bishop Pablo Virgilio S. David, SM Engineering Design and Development president Hans “Chico” Sy Jr.

Amid the hustle and bustle of Caloocan City is a calm and serene haven where mall goers can reflect, refresh and renew their spirits. At the newly opened SM City Grand Central is the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Chapel, on the mall’s fifth level, where people can pray, attend Mass and other services.

Bishop Pablo Virgilio S. David of the Diocese of Caloocan, who recently assumed the presidency of the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of the Philippines, led the recent Eucharistic Mass and chapel dedication. He also officiated at the chapel blessing, together with members of the Sy family led by SM Prime Holdings executive committee chair Hans Sy Sr., Carol Sy, and SM Engineering Design and Development president Hans “Chico” Sy Jr.

The 14 Stations of the Cross in stained glass mosaic windows designed by VitreArtus Liturgical Arts.

Designed by Casas + Architects, the 1,025-square meter chapel has a simple and contemporary, streamlined and yet warm look. An air of quiet solemnity is evident in the use of light neutral colors, travertine stone for altar floor and walls, while the general area is in porcelain tiles with the same color tone. The altar is fully molded on a solid surface to establish its contemporary minimal look.

Inspired by traditional period churches, the main doors and pews are in narra with natural varnish. The ceiling design has sinuous arches completely lined with lights to showcase its form.

Designed by Casas + Architects, the 1,025-square meter chapel has a simple and contemporary look.

Sacred sculptures of the Crucifix, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary and St. Joseph were handcrafted by sculptor Ronald Castrillo, while the 14 Stations of the Cross in stained glass mosaic windows were designed by VitreArtus Liturgical Arts. The chapel also has a choir loft and a children’s room.

A Marian devotee, SM matriarch Felicidad Sy chose to name the chapel after Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary.

Aside from the Chapel of the Most Holy Rosary in SM City Grand Central, SM has opened chapels at SM City North Edsa, SM Megamall and SM Aura, as well as the Shrine of Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life at the Mall of Asia Complex and the Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod in SM Seaside in Cebu.

The Chapel of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary at SM City Grand Central can house 1,000 patrons during the daily Mass at 12:15 p.m., anticipated Mass Saturdays at 5 p.m. and Sunday Mass at 12:15 p.m. and 6 p.m.

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