How did the Santisimo Rosario Parish come to be located within a university? The Santisimo Rosario Chapel stands as a spiritual landmark. It serves the Thomasian community at the University of Santo Tomas.
Established on March 21 1942 by Archbishop Michael O’Doherty the Santisimo Rosario Parish became one of the first parishes within a university. This makes it unique in the country. On April 26 1942 Archbishop O’Doherty celebrated a Pontifical High Mass. He canonically inaugurated the parish. Reverend Father Emiliano Serrano became its first pastor.
The Santisimo Rosario Chapel is more than just a place of worship. It is a center for spiritual moral and pastoral care. Religious and academic functions take place here. Parishioners attend masses weddings baptisms and funerals here. The Dominican Order oversees the chapel.
The Chapel was completed on November 13 1932. It quickly became the venue for university religious activities. These include the annual Misa de Apertura. This Mass of the Holy Spirit opens the academic year. The Discurso de Apertura an academic lecture also occurs here. Eucharistic celebrations honor St. Dominic de Guzmán and St. Thomas Aquinas. The annual novena masses honor Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario. She is our mother and patroness.
During World War II Manila suffered heavy bombings. On September 28 1942 the image of Our Lady of La Naval de Manila was moved. It came from Santo Domingo Church in Intramuros to the Santisimo Rosario Parish. This safeguarded the image. The first fiesta celebration of the Santisimo Rosario Parish occurred on October 7. The historic image of the Blessed Mother graced the event. This tradition continued until 1954.
In 1954 the image of La Naval de Manila moved to Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City. The original parish image returned to its place at the main altar. Today that image is enthroned on the left side of the altar above the tabernacle.
To accommodate the feast of La Naval de Manila the Feast of the Santisimo Rosario changed. It moved to the first Sunday of October. Previously it was celebrated every 7th day of October.
Many dedicated parish priests have served here. They include Emiliano Serrano Honorio Muñoz and Santos Galende. Patricio Rodrigo Guillermo Tejon and Lamberto Pasion also served. Pedro Escudero and Ramon Perez contributed too. Gallardo Bombase and Jose Salazar led as well. Eugene Cabillon and Jaime Alamillo served with devotion. Franklin Beltran also guided the parish. Currently Reverend Father Louie Coronel heads the parish. He was installed on January 12 2016.
In 1999 the church sanctuary underwent renovations. On December 7 Jaime Cardinal Sin consecrated the altar. The Santisimo Rosario Parish continues to thrive. It strengthens Basic Ecclesial Communities. It improves parish facilities. It addresses the needs of transient parishioners. The parish embraces its role within the University of Santo Tomas.
The Santisimo Rosario Chapel is a testament to faith. It embodies community spirit. Its history reflects resilience and devotion. It remains a spiritual haven for Thomasians and parishioners alike.