A humble chapel it began. The Christ Of The Good Shepherd Church stands before you. Its story is one of growth faith and community.
In the early 1970s a new subdivision Fairview Park blossomed in Quezon City. It was a time of rapid expansion. The Regalado family developed this area. People needed a place to worship. Daily Mass was unavailable. Sundays saw a Dutch Carmelite priest celebrating Mass in a motor pool.
This wasn’t enough. The community yearned for its own parish. Their dream took shape on August 18 1975. Manila Archbishop Jaime Sin established the Good Shepherd Parish. Fidelis Ruben Limcaco became the first parish priest. The parish’s jurisdiction was vast. It covered Tala Bagong Silang and parts of Novaliches.
The first church was small. It was a temporary chapel. It stood at the crossroads of Fairview Avenue and Regalado Avenue. The Regalado family generously loaned the land. Soon a larger church was needed. The Regalado family donated a large plot. Architect Raoul Sotto designed a church “Christopolos” a place for the community.
Fundraising efforts flourished. “Gabi ng Harana” “Dinner Dance” raffles and “Alay Envelop” campaigns helped fund construction. The “Miss Good Shepherd Parish” and “Santa Elena Contests” were major fundraisers.
On December 10 1977 a groundbreaking ceremony took place. Archbishop Bruno Torpigliani the Apostolic Nuncio presided. Years of work followed. Finally on August 19 1984 Cardinal Jaime Sin blessed and consecrated the new church.
The church’s growth continued. More land was acquired. A parish center and retreat house were built. These facilities hosted seminars and activities. Other buildings soon appeared pavilions a schoolhouse an adoration chapel and more.
In 1985 the parish became an archdiocesan shrine. In 2003 it was elevated to cathedral status. This happened with the creation of the Diocese of Novaliches. The Christ Of The Good Shepherd Church became its seat.
The church is an architectural marvel. Its striking facade features tubular structures forming a unique roof. The ascension chapel is used for wakes. A basement area holds choir records and hosts meetings. The altar area boasts Art Deco ornamentation unique to the Philippines. The Msgr Fidelis Limcaco Hall is a versatile space for many events.
The Christ Of The Good Shepherd Church is more than a building. It is a testament to faith perseverance and community spirit. It is a living legacy. A place where generations have gathered to worship and find solace. A true landmark of Quezon City.