Capilla de San Roque

Was Capilla de San Roque always a place of solace? I wonder. Here we stand before Capilla de San Roque, a humble chapel nestled within the vibrant tapestry of Manila. Capilla de San Roque may not boast the grandeur of a cathedral, but its story is no less compelling. It’s a story woven into the very fabric of this community. Our journey begins not within these walls, but in a nearby neighborhood. In the 1930s, the devotion to San Roque already bloomed in Sampaloc. The community gathered to celebrate his feast day in the old “Bantay Sunog” building on Economia Street. Fast forward to 1946. Pedro and Francisca Socorro, after a stroke of luck in a lottery, decided to build a small chapel. This chapel became Capilla de San Roque, dedicated to the saint they believed would protect their community from illness and hardship. The chapel, situated on a modest 189 sq.m. lot on Trabajo Street (now M. Dela Fuente), became a beacon of hope. The Kapisanang Katoliko ni San Roque (KKSR), formed in 1963, played a crucial role in nurturing the chapel’s growth. Their dedicated fundraising and the generosity of the community allowed for renovations. Eventually, the ownership of the chapel was transferred to the Archdiocese of Manila. For years, the chapel remained under the watchful eye of Msgr. Isidro Jose of the Most Holy Trinity Parish in Balic-Balic. The KKSR continued its tireless support, acquiring an adjacent lot in 1981. This expansion marked a turning point. On August 22nd, 1981, the Archdiocese of Manila officially declared the chapel as San Roque Parish Church. The small chapel, once a neighborhood sanctuary, now served 35 barangays. Despite its growth, the church continued to expand, acquiring another lot on Pepin Street (now Marzan Street). Tragedy struck with the passing of Father Nonito Bocala, but Fathers Gerry Arroyo and Ben Gobenciong stepped in to guide the parish. Under the leadership of Father Joselito “Joey” Irlandes, a grander vision emerged. A new and larger church, designed by Architect Librado Enriquez, was built and inaugurated by Jaime Cardinal Sin. The church you see today, Capilla de San Roque, stands as a testament to the unwavering faith and dedication of a community.