Santo Rosario Church

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Is it a chapel? Is it a church? The Santisimo Rosario Church, nestled within the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, has been both. This unique place has served as a spiritual haven for students and locals alike for over 70 years. The Santisimo Rosario Church’s story began in a time of turmoil. During World War II, Archbishop Michael O’Dougherty established the parish in 1942. The UST Chapel, completed in 1932, became the heart of this new parish. The first mass was held just a month later. The Santisimo Rosario Church isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a piece of history. It served as a refuge for the image of Our Lady of La Naval de Manila after the original Santo Domingo Church in Intramuros was destroyed. This historic image graced the church’s altar for twelve years, until 1954 when it was moved to the new Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City. The Santisimo Rosario Church has seen many changes throughout the decades. From establishing a strong community presence under Fr. Bombase in the 1980s, to strengthening Basic Ecclesial Communities under Fr. Salazar and Fr. Cabillon in the 1990s, the church has continuously evolved. Physical improvements were also made, such as the addition of a mezzanine under Fr. Alamillo in the 2000s. Even with its rich history and many transformations, the Santisimo Rosario Church continues to serve its community. It hosts numerous events. The annual Misa de Apertura, a tradition that opens the academic year, and the Heritage Christmas Concert are just two examples. The Santisimo Rosario Church is a testament to resilience, faith, and community. It has stood as a beacon of hope through war, change, and the passage of time.

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