A 19th-century Virgin Mary watches over us. Her image is unique. A moon rests beneath her feet. This is Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church. It stands proudly in Santolan Pasig.
Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church is more than just a beautiful building. It’s the fourth oldest parish in the Diocese of Pasig. It holds a rich history. It’s a story of faith resilience and community.
The story begins in 1798. Siblings Don Luis and Antonio Victorino built a simple chapel. It was made of wood and cogon grass. A more substantial chapel followed in 1808. This one was made of stone chalk and tiles. It was the largest chapel in Pasig at the time. This humble beginning would eventually grow into the church we see today.
The parish was formally established on November 8 1953. Conrado Arciaga is credited with its founding. The first parish priest Alejandro Vermorel served from 1953 to 1956. He envisioned a larger church and convent. He led fundraising efforts to make this dream a reality. By 1959 Archbishop Rufino Santos blessed the new church.
The present church is a modernized structure. Its art deco design reflects a blend of old and new. Concrete walls stand strong. The roof above the entrance door is tiled. This design reflects a modernization. It preserves the spirit of the earlier structures.
In a special papal decree dated April 17 2013 Pope Francis declared Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church a pilgrim church. This was in recognition of its 60th anniversary. It’s a testament to its enduring significance. The church’s patron saint Thomas of Villanova was an Augustinian bishop and man of charity. His legacy of kindness and generosity lives on in this vibrant community. The church serves as a beacon of faith a place of solace and a testament to the enduring spirit of Santolan. Its history echoes in the very stones beneath our feet. It’s a story of faith and perseverance a story that continues to unfold with every passing day.