Shrine of Saint Joseph

Journey with me back to the 1960s. The Ortigas Company had just donated a plot of hilly land, 5,030 square meters, for a new church. This land, nestled in what is now Greenhills, would become the home of the Shrine of Saint Joseph. The task of building this sanctuary fell to Father Guido Coletti. He faced an uphill battle, traveling from Batangas City to Manila, seeking funds. Initially, pledges were made, but the money wasn’t forthcoming. The Shrine of Saint Joseph seemed like a distant dream. Then, in March 1964, a breakthrough. Father Guido managed to raise ₱827,000. Construction began. The Shrine of Saint Joseph started to take shape under the vision of architect Manuel Mañosa, Jr. and the skilled hands of builder Nemesio Montenegro. It took 25 months, but the Shrine of Saint Joseph was finally consecrated on April 2, 1966. Even before its completion, the church hosted Misa de Gallo and Sunday Masses within its unfinished walls. Just a year later, in March 1967, the Shrine of Saint Joseph officially became a parish. It served around 3,500 parishioners from Wack-Wack, White Plains, and areas near Camp Crame. Father Guido, the driving force behind the project, became the first parish priest. The Shrine of Saint Joseph quickly became a sought-after venue for weddings and baptisms. Its popularity grew, and it became a central part of the community. Over the years, the Shrine of Saint Joseph continued to evolve. Different priests led the parish, guiding its growth and development. The laity played a vital role, contributing to its vibrant community through evangelization, catechism, charitable projects, and numerous other activities. Today, the Shrine of Saint Joseph serves over 100,000 parishioners. It stands as a testament to the dedication and perseverance of those who brought it to life, a beacon of faith in the heart of Mandaluyong.