Established on August 22 1987 San Roque de Sampaloc Parish stands proudly in Manila. Its story begins long before its official establishment. In the 1930s Sampaloc residents celebrated St Roch’s feast in a ‘Bantay Sunog’ building on Economia Street now Vicente G Cruz Street. A small chapel later arose thanks to Pedro and Francisca Socorro who dedicated it to St Roch. They wished for community protection from illness and suffering.
The Socorro’s act of faith blossomed. The Kapisanang Katoliko ni San Roque (KKSR) formed. Devotees prayed and helped the Sampaloc community. Donations poured in. The humble chapel was renovated. The Socorros eventually transferred ownership to the Archdiocese of Manila.
Msgr Isidro Jose oversaw the chapel. With KKSR’s aid an adjacent lot was purchased. More masses were added. On August 22 1987 the Archdiocese declared it San Roque Parish Church. Thirty-five barangays fell under its care. Further expansion followed. A lot on Pepin Street now Marzan Street was acquired. Sadly Father Nonito Bocala died during this expansion. Fathers Gerry Arroyo and Ben Gobenciong took over.
Father Joselito Irlandes became the new parish priest. A larger church designed by Architect Librado Enriquez was built. Cardinal Jaime Sin inaugurated it. The parish continued to grow. In 1999 Bishop Teodoro Bacani blessed the new Adoration Chapel. The parish has seen many priests guide it. It serves as a testament to faith perseverance and community spirit. San Roque de Sampaloc Parish continues to serve the people of Sampaloc a beacon of hope and faith in the heart of Manila.