Consider the faces of thousands of students. They have sought solace within these walls. This is the Santissimo Rosario Parish Church. It stands as a spiritual beacon. It is located in the heart of Manila.
The Santissimo Rosario Parish Church has a rich history. It is intertwined with the University of Santo Tomas. It is a unique parish. It is nestled within the walls of a Catholic university. This parish has served students and residents for decades.
Let’s step back in time to the Second World War. The year was 1942. Archbishop Michael O’Dougherty established the Santissimo Rosario Parish. It was a time of turmoil. The university campus became an internment camp. Despite the chaos, the parish was born. Father Emiliano Serrano became its first pastor.
The Santissimo Rosario Parish Church grew under the Dominican Fathers. They fostered a strong devotion to the Virgin Mary. Parish organizations contributed to its evangelical mission.
The 1980s brought changes. The Santissimo Rosario Parish Church extended its presence. Processions took place outside the campus. Parish activities reached the streets. Father Gallardo Bombase led these initiatives.
Father Jose Salazar strengthened the Basic Ecclesial Communities. He visited every corner of the parish. He celebrated mass in the streets. He visited the sick. His service was cut short. Pope John Paul II appointed him Bishop of Batanes.
Father Eugenio Cabillon continued his predecessor’s work. He strengthened the Basic Ecclesial Communities. He revisited the parish’s mission.
In 2003, Father Jaime Alamillo became pastor. He improved the parish facilities. A mezzanine was built for parish organizations.
Father Franklin Beltran oversaw the parish’s 70th anniversary. Father Louie Coronel followed. He oversaw the 75th anniversary. He intensified core programs. These included Basic Ecclesial Communities and youth formation.
The Santissimo Rosario Parish Church has a special connection to Our Lady of La Naval. Her image was transferred here in 1942. It was saved from bombings. It graced the parish fiesta for years. In 1954, it returned to Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City.
In 1999, the church sanctuary was renovated. Cardinal Jaime Sin consecrated the altar.
Today, the Santissimo Rosario Parish Church continues to thrive. It is under the guidance of Father Paul Reagan Talavera. He is the 15th Parish Priest.
The Santissimo Rosario Parish Church remains a spiritual haven. It is for the Thomasian community and beyond. It hosts the Misa de Apertura. It holds the La Naval novena. It presents the Heritage Christmas Concert. It is a place of faith. It is a place of tradition. It is a place of community.