Wednesday, June 4, 2008

The New St. Alphonsus Church: Sacrament of Reconciliation Room

On both sides of the church, under the stairway leading to the mezzanine, are two beautiful fully furnished confessionals (Arch. Hershey Quioge, Interior Designer). It encourages both those who want to have a face to face or with a divider confession. The confessional has a big rounded window which provides a view of the garden immediately outside the confessional. Depending on the season, the curtains match the color proper for the season (green for Ordinary Time, white for Easter and Christmas, and purple for Lent and Advent). To light the room, two black and white lamps were provided. One is located on the right side immediately upon entrance and the other in the innermost part near the seat of the confessor. At the farthest end is also located a ledge which contains decorative jars and scented candles to give the room its needed solemn and atmosphere. Two framed inspiring pictures hang on the walls to provide a point for reflection for the penitent. Two original and unique Berenguer chairs equipped with throw pillows give comfort for the priest and the penitent during the Sacrament of Reconciliation. A small center table completes the set up. An air-conditioner is available in case the heat becomes unbearable.

For those who do not prefer a face to face set up, they have option to enter the cylindrical room connected to the confessional. A curtained window allows communication and anonymity for both the penitent and the priest. 

All in all, it is a very conducive place for any one's resolve to find reconciliation with God. Hopefully, it will be visited by those who are in need of God's loving forgiveness. It is always available for those who believe that forgiveness must be celebrated in the sacrament.

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