Mel Gibson is planning to marry his girlfriend in his own private church later this year

The Hollywood star has four-month-old daughter Lucia with his Russian partner Oksana Grigorieva. Catholic Mel is reportedly keen to tie the knot as soon as possible, and has told Oksana he wants them to wed in the 9,000 square foot chapel he has had built in Agoura Hills, California.

"This is Mel`s dream church and the centre of his world," a source told National Enquirer magazine. "He`s a devout traditionalist Catholic and views the chapel as his own house of worship where he can pray privately with friends and family."

Oksana is currently taking catechism classes at the holy building because Mel wants them to practice the same faith. When they are complete, and as soon as his divorce from his estranged wife Robyn is finalised, they will marry.

The church is at the centre of green hills, and has a fountain just outside. The inside boasts iron chandeliers, and a choir loft at the back.

At the front is a one-of-a-kind picture Mel is particularly proud of. "He handpicked an artist to paint a modern interpretation of the ascension of Christ. He`s also commissioned someone to cast a bell for the church tower, Mel says he is more proud of his church than any of his other achievements," the source explained.

sections: Celebrities