What if these walls could talk? The San Rafael Parish Church stands as a testament to faith and community. It is a beacon of hope for the residents of Balut.
Established in the late 1940s, the San Rafael Parish Church addressed the spiritual needs of a growing population. Fishermen and city dwellers sought a new home on Isla de Balut and Isla de Cocomo. This surge in population led to the creation of a new parish.
Father Jose Abriol was the first parish priest. He secured land for the church. The B and I Realty Company donated a lot and sold an adjoining lot at half price. The church complex covers 3.147 sq m fronting Taliba Street.
In 1962, Father Laureano Caoili became the parish priest of the San Rafael Parish Church. He built a multi-purpose community center with support from the Knights of Columbus. Engineer Pedro Alfonso and Architect Victorino Garcia donated their services. In 1969, the San Rafael Parochial School was established. Father Caoili also introduced the Cursillo movement. He translated the Rollo Book into Tagalog.
Father Alfredo Fermin succeeded Father Caoili in 1976. He made physical improvements to the San Rafael Parish Church. He also developed lay organizations.
Father Pedro Agbayani served as pastor from 1980 to 1982. He established the Holy Name Society. The Charismatic Renewal movement took root in Balut with his encouragement.
Father Manuel Nery, a native of Balut, followed Father Agbayani. The San Rafael Parish Church needed major repairs. Father Nery raised funds for this task. He divided the parish into ten prayer group zones.
Father Ernesto Tobillo was appointed pastor in 1985. He proved to be an effective fundraiser. He oversaw the repair and construction of a new church for San Rafael. He was the supervisor, foreman, planner, and architect. He formed the Confraternity of Our Mother of Perpetual Help. Father Tobillo initiated street masses. Fourteen Ugnayons were created in strategic areas. He converted the side aisles into a Perpetual Adoration Chapel and a mortuary.
Msgr. Jose Flores led the construction of a new Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel. He formed a community of the Third Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. He revamped the administration of the San Rafael Parochial School.
Father Gerardo Mascariña faced challenges during his term. Smokey Mountain emitted fumes. High tide brought polluted water. Despite this, he improved the church and school.
In 1993, Father Enrique Santos became the ninth pastor. He knew the struggles of his parishioners during the rainy season. He worked with Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim to repair and elevate Taliba Street. Father Santos elevated the patio and church flooring. He installed the altar retablo in gold leaf and new chandeliers. He reconstructed the SRPS, Parish Renewal Center, and Sisters’ convent.
Father Nestor Gungon envisioned the development and beautification of the San Rafael Parish Church. This was in preparation for the Golden Jubilee in 2001. He repaired and renovated the church. He repainted the church and retablado of the altar. Rusty windows and the roof were replaced. He organized the San Rafael de Balut Multi-Purpose Foundation Inc.
Father Elpidio Biliran Jr. became the 11th parish priest in 2002. He initiated repairs in the church, school, and convent. He renovated the Abriol Hall and the sacristy. The ceiling was replaced due to termite infestation.
The San Rafael Parish Church has a rich history of dedicated leaders. Each pastor contributed to its growth and development. The parish continues to serve the community. It offers spiritual nourishment and support.