Isn’t it remarkable how a simple chapel can evolve into a spiritual anchor? The story of Nuestra Senora de Salvacion Parish begins humbly. It started as a small chapel within the NDC Compound.
Initially, priests from nearby parishes celebrated Mass here. These priests came from Pope Pius XII, Don Bosco, and Sacred Heart Parish. A novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help was also a regular event. Several caretakers helped maintain the chapel. These included Mr. Vicente de Perio, Ms. Pacita Castillo, Ms. Benita Ortiz, and Ms. Atang de los Reyes.
During Ms. Atang de los Reyes’s time, the Kababaihang Barangay was founded. This group cared for the chapel. In 1975, it became Kababaihang Alay-Lingap or KAL. This non-profit launched fundraising activities for the chapel. Spearheaded by KAL and the NDC Residents Association, the community built the convent and chapel office.
In 1985, the chapel became a chaplaincy of San Felipe Neri Parish. It was then allowed to administer baptism and matrimony. Msgr. Jose Flores became its first chaplain. A significant milestone occurred on January 10 1994. His Eminence Jaime Cardinal Sin established Nuestra Senora de Salvacion Chapel as a parish. It covered 11 barangays in Sta. Mesa Manila including the NDC Compound and PUP. The parish belongs to the Vicariate of Our Lady of Loreto.
From one Mass per week, Nuestra Senora de Salvacion Parish grew. Now it holds thirteen masses each week. Masses are celebrated on weekdays at 6:00 pm. There are two on Saturdays and six on Sundays. A community prayer to Our Lady of Salvacion is offered at every Mass. The Cardinal approved this prayer in January 2000. Since then, the parish fiesta is celebrated on the Third Saturday of August.
Practically every evening features a church activity after Mass. Regular meetings of the Parish Pastoral Council take place. Other services include Marriage Encounter, El Shaddai prayer meetings, Holy Hour, and healing sessions. Every third Saturday night is movie night for the children to promote good values. Since October 2001, a Dawn Procession honors Our Lady of Salvacion every first Saturday.
The growing number of parishioners prompted a renovation. In July 2005, the dilapidated structure was renovated. Nuestra Senora de Salvacion Parish has come a long way. It continues to respond to the signs of the times.
Several priests have served the parish. These include Rev. Fr. Nelson Orqueta, Rev. Fr. Jun de Peralta, Rev. Fr. Elmer Ilao, Rev. Fr. Davic Concepcion, Rev. Fr. Benjie Ledesma, Rev. Fr. Artemio Fabros and Rev. Fr. Jesus Jose Bustillo.
The image of Nuestra Senora de Salvacion de Manila is unique. She holds a rope and a soul reaches for it. This portrays her saving souls from damnation. Locals fondly call her Nuestra. The title emphasizes Mary’s role in humanity’s salvation.
In 1945, residents of the NDC built a chapel to thank the Virgin for protection during World War II. They dedicated it to Nuestra Senora de Salvacion. The chapel developed over the years with renovations supported by Jose Panganiban and his wife Mercedes.
Nuestra Senora de Salvacion Parish is more than just a building. It’s a testament to faith community and the enduring power of devotion.