Whispers of legends echo through the air here at Sr. San Roque Chapel. Before it became the Archdiocesan Shrine of San Roque, stories circulated among the people of Mambaling. These tales spoke of miracles and divine intervention.
Let me share one such story. It is about a humble fisherman seeking food for his family. One day, the fisherman heard a mysterious voice. The voice instructed him to carve something from driftwood. Initially hesitant, the fisherman eventually yielded to the insistent voice. Returning home, he began to carve. He painstakingly crafted a statuette. The fisherman had no idea who the figure was. Later, the parish priest of San Nicolas identified it as San Roque. Mambaling was then still part of San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish.
Another story tells of a devastating disease. It once swept through Mambaling. The residents, in their desperation, carried the image of San Roque in a religious procession. Miraculously, the disease ceased its spread. The people believed San Roque had protected them. This cemented their devotion. It eventually led to the establishment of the parish in 1973.
In 2008, the Archbishop of Cebu elevated the parish to an Archdiocesan Shrine. It became a beacon of faith. It is the only shrine in the Philippines honoring San Roque. San Roque is the patron saint against plagues and epidemics. People invoke him for protection against contagious diseases and healing.
This is more than just a church. Sr. San Roque Chapel is a place of hope and healing. It is also a testament to the unwavering faith of the community. The church’s facade features four pilasters. They are in a deep red coat. They flank a portico in front of the entrance. Above is an arch window made of stained glass. It depicts the patron saint. A belfry stands on the gospel flank. It is on top of a three-story structure. A staircase spirals around the belfry.
Every year on August 16th, the feast of St. Roch of Montpellier is celebrated. The Archdiocesan Shrine of San Roque is more than just a historical landmark. It is a living testament to the power of faith and community. San Roque is also the patron saint of dogs, invalids, pilgrims, bachelors and falsely accused people.