Here lies a story etched in stone at San Felipe Neri Parish Cemetery. This cemetery whispers tales of faith. San Felipe Neri Parish Cemetery is more than a burial ground. It is a chronicle of a community’s spiritual heart.
San Felipe Neri began its journey in 1870. Seven years prior San Felipe de Neri which is now Mandaluyong was separated from Sta. Ana de Sapa. Fr. Gavino Ruiz then bought the church site. He was authorized to buy the 1-hectare church site. On March 25, 1870 the cornerstone of the church was blessed.
In 1883 Rev. Fr. Gregono Azarga obtained a permit. The permit allowed him to spend 39100 pesos. This money was for the construction of the church. Captain Pascual Francisco wrote a manuscript on June 22 1894. It reported the existence of the San Felipe Neri church and convent.
Time marched on and the parish saw many changes. Fr Manuel C Sobrevinas later became a bishop. He served as parish priest from 1975 to 1979. Fr Gabriel V Reyes also became a bishop. He was parish priest from 1979 to 1981. Fr Francisco C San Diego followed suit. He also became a bishop and served from 1981 to 1983. These men all undertook repairs on San Felipe Neri.
Msgr Salvador Jose took over as parish priest in 1983. He served until 2000. He oversaw the construction of a new convent. It was built on the right side of San Felipe Neri. Auxiliary chapels were added to the left.
The church has a Neo-Gothic facade. It features a semicircular arch for the main entrance. Statued niches flank the entrance. Twin bell towers rise with pyramidal roofs. A triangular pediment displays a statued niche at its center.
San Felipe Neri stands at the corner of Boni Avenue and Rt Rev C Aglipay Street. Mandaluyong City is 7 kms from Manila. It is also only 8 kms from Pasig City.
San Felipe Neri Parish Cemetery reminds us of lives lived. It speaks of faith that endures. It stands as a tribute to community bonds. May we honor these stories. May we remember the legacy etched within these grounds.