A humble chapel it once was. Nestled amidst abundant santol trees. This is San Roque Parish Church in Manila. But its story is far from humble.
Before you stands a testament to faith and community. San Roque Parish Church wasn’t always the grand structure we see today. Its origins lie in a small visita a chapel built by the devout residents of Barrio Santol. This was long before it became a parish. The people of Barangay Santol had a deep devotion to San Roque. They held novenas in his honor. Their devotion grew. Getting to the nearest church Santa Clara Church was a significant journey. So they petitioned the Archdiocese of Manila for their own church.
Their request was granted on August 28 1951. Bishop Gabriel Reyes established San Roque Church. Father Pelagio Camahalan became the first parish priest. He served from 1951 to 1962. The early San Roque Parish had a vast territory. It covered a wide area of Manila. Cementina Tripa de Gallina the Pasay-Paranque border and Taft Avenue were all within its boundaries.
Father Pio Palad succeeded Father Camahalan. During his tenure from 1962 to 1970 important organizations formed. Alay Kay San Roque Inc and the San Roque Credit Union were established. These groups strengthened the community. They helped build a supportive network among parishioners.
Father Pedro Agbayani served from 1970 to 1980. A kindergarten school was built during his time. It started small with just one class. Today the San Roque Preschool of Pasay City thrives. It boasts over 100 students. Father Alfredo Fermin followed. He served the longest as parish priest from 1980 to 1993. The Cursillo Movement flourished under his leadership. The Charismatic Movement also took root. The church was often flooded during the rainy season. Parishioners showed remarkable resilience. They persevered through the floods to attend services. Renovations eventually addressed the flooding issue. A parish office and mortuary were built.
Father Gerard Vincent Mascarina became parish priest in 1993. He oversaw renovations of the altar and tabernacle. He improved church lighting. He also added classrooms to the school. A multi-purpose hall and adoration chapel were constructed. Cardinal Jaime Sin blessed the new chapel. More organizations grew under his guidance. Couples for Christ Knights of Columbus and the Parish Renewal Experience PREX joined the community.
Father Joselino Tuazon became the parish priest in 1998. He is still there today. He strengthened church organizations. He established new ministries such as the Greeters and Collectors Ministry. He also created the hermanos y Hermanas de San Roque Mother Butler Guild and Pintig ng Parokya the official church newsletter. He conducted seminars focusing on parishioners’ holistic development. He also initiated having just one annual fiesta. This was done to comply with liturgical norms. Previously two fiestas were held. One in April and another on August 16.
From a humble visita to the vibrant parish we see today San Roque Parish Church stands as a symbol of unwavering faith. It’s a testament to the dedication and resilience of the community it serves. The church’s story is one of growth adaptation and enduring devotion. A truly remarkable story etched into the very fabric of Manila.