Santa Rita de Cascia Parish Church

Could a mango tree be the first altar of a thriving community? At Santa Rita de Cascia Parish Church, it was. Here in Philam Homes, Quezon City, the story of this church begins not with bricks and mortar, but with the shade of a mango tree. In 1955, the newly established Philam Homes community yearned for spiritual guidance. The first mass was held under this mango tree on May 15, 1955, officiated by Father Roberto Manguiat. The determined residents, including Amelia Borromeo and Felicidad Estrella, ensured a weekly mass by bringing a priest from San Pedro Bautista Parish. Later, they regularly fetched Father Mario Cian Fraglia from U.P. Santa Rita de Cascia Parish Church wasn’t built overnight. Construction began in January 1956, designed by architect Arturo Mañalac on land donated by Philamlife Insurance Company. The Archbishop of Manila, Cardinal Rufino Santos, and the homeowners themselves contributed to the building fund. Raffles and Sunday collections added to the growing coffers. Santa Rita de Cascia Parish Church officially became independent from San Pedro Bautista Parish on May 31, 1957. The church was inaugurated on June 2, 1957, and Cardinal Santos blessed the image of Saint Rita. The first official parish priest, Father Pedro N. Bantigue, arrived in May 1960. He oversaw a vast area, covering what are now separate parishes like Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Christ the King. The church’s history is one of growth and division. It served as the mother church for several communities. Over the years, chapels under Santa Rita’s jurisdiction blossomed into independent parishes, reflecting the expanding city. Santa Rita de Cascia Parish Church stands today as a testament to the community’s faith, a journey that began under the humble shade of a mango tree.