They were economically helped by the bishop Carmelo Ballester Nieto and directed by the architect Miguel de Apraiz Barreiro, Julian's son.

By 1952 the high nave of the presbytery, the north side portal and a low tower, instead of the original dome, were built.

Although unfinished, the temple was consecrated on 24 September 1969 by the papal legate Cardinal Dell'Acqua, accompanied by several archbishops and Spanish bishops, and in the presence of the head of state, General Francisco Franco, his wife and almost all of the government.

This work was completed in 1973, while the head of the diocese was Bishop Francisco Peralta, thanks to the confluence of financial allocations from the Provincial Council of Alava, the Ministry of Housing and numerous private donations.

Its Latin cross is reminiscent of the Chartres Cathedral and covers an area of 5,750 square meters and can shelter inside 150,000 people.