Beneath the skyline of Quezon City stands the Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish Church. It began humbly. Imagine a makeshift altar. This altar became the center of faith for a growing community.
In the DBP Housing area, employees led by Mr. and Mrs. Delfin Palacios took initiative. They transformed the altar into the Chapel of the Nativity. Sta. Rita Parish oversaw it. Msgr. Alfredo Reyes led Sta. Rita Parish. Guest priests assisted him. Frs. Ben Villote, Israel Nacu, Dick Freiss and Dave Veihland offered their service.
February 27 1988 marked a milestone. His Eminence Jaime Cardinal L. Sin elevated the chapel. It became the Parish of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Rev. Fr. Rio G. Evangelista was installed as the first parish priest.
Atty. Arturo De Leon and Fr. Dave Veihland worked persistently. They secured a lease from the Quezon City government. Mayor Brigido Simon awarded the contract to the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Manila. On May 3 1992, the new church was consecrated. Jaime Cardinal L. Sin dedicated it.
The Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish Church started small. It was a simple altar within the DBP Compound. The Christian Family Movement’s Sta. Rita Parish Unit III conceived it. Delfin and Amparing Palacio led the movement.
Improvements followed. The Chapel of the Nativity emerged. Residents nurtured it. The Ladies of the Eucharist played a vital role. They formed the Catholic Women’s League sub-chapter of Sta. Rita Parish. They ensured its survival. Amparing Palacio, Fely Castañeda and Precing Echevarria were pioneering residents. Laura Gutierrez, Pat Ligon, Nora Ramos and Inday Setias also helped. They assisted many priests. Frs. Dave Viehland, Israel, Dick Freiss and Nacu served under Msgr. Alfredo Reyes.
A strong typhoon destroyed the chapel in the early seventies. Its roof was blown off. Residents like Nenita Tan, Nani and Tess Esteban solicited funds. They rebuilt the chapel. Peping Claudio secured materials. Ernie and Charito Gidaya donated paint. Cooperation made the sturdier chapel possible.
The community desired an independent parish. They had the population and the land area. Msgr. Reyes offered support. A permanent church site was needed. A mass petition was prepared by the DBP Homeowners Association. Fely Castañeda led it. Barangay Chairman Art de Leon and Fr. Dave Viehland revived the petition after the 1986 EDSA revolution. They sought a lease. Mayor Brigido Simon approved a long-term lease. The City Council ratified it. The area increased to 1500 sq m.
The community became a parish. Fr. Rio Evangelista was designated Parish Priest. June 5 1988 was a special day. Jaime Cardinal Sin laid the cornerstone of the new Parish Church. Fr. Roy integrated into the community. He initiated “Music Nights”. Residents got to know each other. A united community emerged.
Noli Bernardo designed the magnificent church. Buddy Mison raised funds. Parishioners worked hard. They built a church of love and generosity. In May 1992, the Hearts of Jesus & Mary Parish Church was inaugurated. President Corazon C. Aquino and Chief of Staff Fidel V. Ramos attended. Jaime Cardinal Sin celebrated the High Mass.
The church became popular for baptisms and weddings. A Parish Rectory was built behind the church. It served as Fr. Roy’s residence. It also housed the Parish Office, Mortuary and Ossuarium. The St. Michael’s Ossuary inters remains of co-parishioners. In 1995, the rectory was completed. Plans for a multi-purpose Parish Center are underway. The land was purchased with St. Michael’s Ossuary funds. Linda Galang initiated ‘Tango 2000’. It raised P1 million. The Parish Center is anticipated soon.
The Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish Church stands as a testament to faith. It reflects community spirit and unwavering dedication.