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The Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Grace Parish located at Caloocan City. The church is under the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kalookan. The parish was formally established on January 31, 1947 with Rev. Fr. Joseph Boyd, OMI as the first Parish Priest.
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| The image of Our Lady of Grace inside the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace Parish in Caloocan City. Photo courtesy of Rev. Fr. Dennis Gui, OMI |
History
The Shrine of Our Lady of Grace (formerly known as Our Lady of Grace Parish) has gone a long way from being traditional-sacramentalized to a renewed church. The church is the biggest in the city and its patron saint is frequented by devotees whose devotion to the blessed mother has become ardent and popular among people from all walks of life. This is because; many indeed have witnessed outpouring of graces blessings in varied ways. This expression of faith is made possible through the guiding hands of the OMI’s who through the years from its founding brought relevant changes not just in infrastructure but to its essence of being church.
The OMI missionaries reached the Philippines and chose Cotobato, Jolo and Sulu to be their field for missionary work likewise they chose Caloocan city to be a main stop over. The archbishop of manila very rev. Michael J. O’ Doherty granted the request of the Oblate Superior in the Philippines, Rev. Fr. Gerard Mongeau, OMI to establish a house in Grace Park. The Phil. Realty Corporation, Administrator of Grace Park Subdivision donated to use of eight lots in block 171 for the use of the church. With the help of the US signal Corp. a Quonset hut was put up which served as chapel and convent.
Significant events/achievements with the assigned parish from the time of its founding chronologically arranged
1946-1948
Archbishop Michael O’doherty entrusted the proposed park to the care of the OMI congregation through Fr. Joseph Boyd on February 1946
Upon its founding Fr. Joseph Boyd, OMI was appointed first parish priest. He celebrated the first mass in the chapel on May 16, 1946
This small church was blessed on Sept. 6, 1946
The parish of Our Lady of Grace was formally established on January 31, 1947
The Catholic Youth Organization was founded on March 1947
The Legion of Mary was founded on April 1947
Our Lady of Grace Parish
Historical Background1948-1952
The second parish priest was Fr. Emile Bolduc, OMI his assistant was the late Fr. James W. Burke, OMI who later became the Third Provincial Superior of the Oblates Phil. Mission
parish census started on November 22, 1948 resulting I the collection of parish data and personal visit of pastor to the people of grace park
Introduction of Phil folk Catholic customs to the parish like the midnight mass of Christmas procession of the Sto Entiero on Good Friday Flores de mayo attended by children.
Novena to Our lady of Grace started on May 28, 1949
A fund-raising campaign was launched in 1949 sponsored by the premiere Production Studio.
Construction of a new church started, corner stone blessing on March 19, 1950
First confirmation in the parish was administered by Most Rev. Masgr. Rufino Santos, Auxiliary bishop of manila on June 5, 1949
The Catholic Women’s league was founded on Mar. 4, 1958
The new church was blessed by manila Archbishop Gabriel Reyes on June 3, 1951.
Later the building of the parish rectory and gymnasium1952 - 1954
The third parish priest was Fr. James Mc Sorely on Feb. 6 1952 replacing Fr Boyd
A social center where to meet and discuss with parishioner regarding plans and problems was put up on August 1952
Establishment of the parish council as people’s representative in the policy-making of the parish
The apostleship of prayer was founded in the parish on Dec. 2, 1952 then followed by other mandated organization like the ff.
Adoracion Nocturna
Knights of Columbus
Family Block Rosarian
Our Lady of Grace Academy and Notre Dame of Greater Manila were likewise founded.
The Grace Park Newsletter was also introduced.
1954 - 1957
The fourth parish priest was Fr. Joseph Milford, OMI
This period was marked by the birth of the sodality of Our Lady and the strengthening of the Legion of Mary
New projects started in the Parish
1957- 1963
The 5th Parish priest was Fr. Edward Gordon, OMI
A challenge to Fr. Gordon was the widening and lengthening of the Church
Creation of Fifth Avenue Parish under patronage of St. Pancratius
In 1962 Morning Breeze under the patronage of St. Peter and Paul
St. Gabriel also came to their own
The Confraternity of Our Lady was founded on Jan 18, 1963
1963- 1967
Fr. Andrew Hogan, OMI was appointed the 6th parish priest
The Holy Name Society put up a Credit Cooperation
Knights of Columbus was founded
1967-1968
The 1st Filipinos parish priest was Fr. Primo Hagad, OMI
The Sto. Entiero chapel was built for the 1000 parishioners
1968-1970
Robert Callahan was assigned the 8th parish priest
The Period marked the strengthening of Cathechetical instruction. Expansions have been done through various schools within the areas of the parish.
The Vocational Training Skills for parishioners to avail skills training through short term vocational courses was established in 1969
1970- 1972
Fr. Primo Hagad, OMI was back to be 9th Parish Priest
1972-1977
Fr. Bienvenido Leandicho, OMI became the 10th parish priest
Strengthening of Social Services in the Parish
The installation of the 1st batch of lay minister of the Eucharist took place on September 14, 1974
1977-1980
Fr. Enrique Gonzales, OMI was assigned as the 11th parish priest
Convening of the parish General Assembly composed of all the church organizations
First renewal of marriage Vows “en masses” was held
Mobile field masses in remote areas of the parish were held
The return of the electoral process of choosing parish Pastoral Council Offices
The election of Bro. Pons Barcelo, first council president after almost 25 year since Atty Augusto Guanzon’s term in 1952
1980-1986
Fr Ernest Sylvestre, OMI was appointed 12th parish priest, the Last non-Filipino parish priest
Banal na Pag-aaral later changed to Our Lady of Grace Vigil Adores I 1990
Toastmaster’s Club was introduced to the parish to train lay leaders to be good and articulate speaker
The Bible institute was introduced so that lay leaders and parishioners may become oriented of Bible reading and studying
The Grace Park cross had its active circulation
1986-1992
Fr Federico P. Labaglay, OMI spearheaded the renewing church, redirecting people’s religiosity
Parish research office was put up to conduct participatory research in all the eight areas of the parish
1989
A strong parish pastoral council started and leaders had been oriented to BEC formation
1990
Formation of the parish-vision Mission
Constitution and by-laws were written and ratified
Construction of a new sacristy
Installation of a new sound system
1992-1997
Fr. Eleno S. Balboa, OMI was appointed the 14th parish priest
Continued the infrastructure started by his predecessor
Celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the parish took place in 1996
Construction of the church edifice by phase
Phase I- sanctuary
Phase II- roofing
Phase III- flooring and drainage
Launching of different fund-raising to raise money for the church
AVV car Raffle
Munting Mutya Contest
Piso mula sa Signature
One million Signature
Trip to Hongkong Raffle
Second Collection
On the last decade the parish can count this conspicuous improvement:
1.The Church Patio
2.Drainage System
3.Rest/comfort rooms
4.Flower garden/landscaping
5.Roofing
6.Function room
7.Telephone? intercom
8.Information lounge and parish office
9.Systematization of electrical installation
10.Canteen
11.Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration
12.Catechetical Office
13.Social Services Office
14.Candle stand
15.The church edifice
1997-2001
Fr Jose Ante, OMI was appointed as the 15th parish priest His term marked the launching of fund-raising to provide livelihood projects for the eight areas of the parish
2001-2004
Fr. Romeo Marcelino, OMI was the 17th parish priest
The parish took a significant turn in ecclesiastical membership. To be belonged to Archdiocese of Manila but now one more. It belongs now to the Diocese of Caloocan. It heads the vicariate of Our Lady of Grace in Caloocan
2004-2006
Fr. Ruben Ma Gomez, OMI became the 17th parish priest
In his terms saw the birth of tar St. Eugene de Mazenod Community Center which is now home, the Vocational Training School, Kiddie, The columbary and MAMI office.
2006-present
Fr. Ely S. Balboa, OMI is now the parish priest for his second term
Still undergoing process for sustenance of what have been started and developing likewise on the go to
keep alive in its essence of being a true church always dispensing Christ like service so the people may experience the reign of the kingdom of God right here at Our Lady of Grace Parish.
Founding date
1946
Awards
Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Grace - December 7, 2011
The Shrine of Our Lady of Grace (formerly known as Our Lady of Grace Parish) has gone a long way from being traditional-sacramentalized to a renewed church. The church is the biggest in the city and its patron saint is frequented by devotees whose devotion to the blessed mother has become ardent and popular among people from all walks of life. This is because; many indeed have witnessed outpouring of graces blessings in varied ways. This expression of faith is made possible through the guiding hands of the OMI’s who through the years from its founding brought relevant changes not just in infrastructure but to its essence of being church.
The OMI missionaries reached the Philippines and chose Cotobato, Jolo and Sulu to be their field for missionary work likewise they chose Caloocan city to be a main stop over. The archbishop of manila very rev. Michael J. O’ Doherty granted the request of the Oblate Superior in the Philippines, Rev. Fr. Gerard Mongeau, OMI to establish a house in Grace Park. The Phil. Realty Corporation, Administrator of Grace Park Subdivision donated to use of eight lots in block 171 for the use of the church. With the help of the US signal Corp. a Quonset hut was put up which served as chapel and convent.
Significant events/achievements with the assigned parish from the time of its founding chronologically arranged
1946-1948
Archbishop Michael O’doherty entrusted the proposed park to the care of the OMI congregation through Fr. Joseph Boyd on February 1946
Upon its founding Fr. Joseph Boyd, OMI was appointed first parish priest. He celebrated the first mass in the chapel on May 16, 1946
This small church was blessed on Sept. 6, 1946
The parish of Our Lady of Grace was formally established on January 31, 1947
The Catholic Youth Organization was founded on March 1947
The Legion of Mary was founded on April 1947
Our Lady of Grace Parish
Historical Background1948-1952
The second parish priest was Fr. Emile Bolduc, OMI his assistant was the late Fr. James W. Burke, OMI who later became the Third Provincial Superior of the Oblates Phil. Mission
parish census started on November 22, 1948 resulting I the collection of parish data and personal visit of pastor to the people of grace park
Introduction of Phil folk Catholic customs to the parish like the midnight mass of Christmas procession of the Sto Entiero on Good Friday Flores de mayo attended by children.
Novena to Our lady of Grace started on May 28, 1949
A fund-raising campaign was launched in 1949 sponsored by the premiere Production Studio.
Construction of a new church started, corner stone blessing on March 19, 1950
First confirmation in the parish was administered by Most Rev. Masgr. Rufino Santos, Auxiliary bishop of manila on June 5, 1949
The Catholic Women’s league was founded on Mar. 4, 1958
The new church was blessed by manila Archbishop Gabriel Reyes on June 3, 1951.
Later the building of the parish rectory and gymnasium1952 - 1954
The third parish priest was Fr. James Mc Sorely on Feb. 6 1952 replacing Fr Boyd
A social center where to meet and discuss with parishioner regarding plans and problems was put up on August 1952
Establishment of the parish council as people’s representative in the policy-making of the parish
The apostleship of prayer was founded in the parish on Dec. 2, 1952 then followed by other mandated organization like the ff.
Adoracion Nocturna
Knights of Columbus
Family Block Rosarian
Our Lady of Grace Academy and Notre Dame of Greater Manila were likewise founded.
The Grace Park Newsletter was also introduced.
1954 - 1957
The fourth parish priest was Fr. Joseph Milford, OMI
This period was marked by the birth of the sodality of Our Lady and the strengthening of the Legion of Mary
New projects started in the Parish
1957- 1963
The 5th Parish priest was Fr. Edward Gordon, OMI
A challenge to Fr. Gordon was the widening and lengthening of the Church
Creation of Fifth Avenue Parish under patronage of St. Pancratius
In 1962 Morning Breeze under the patronage of St. Peter and Paul
St. Gabriel also came to their own
The Confraternity of Our Lady was founded on Jan 18, 1963
1963- 1967
Fr. Andrew Hogan, OMI was appointed the 6th parish priest
The Holy Name Society put up a Credit Cooperation
Knights of Columbus was founded
1967-1968
The 1st Filipinos parish priest was Fr. Primo Hagad, OMI
The Sto. Entiero chapel was built for the 1000 parishioners
1968-1970
Robert Callahan was assigned the 8th parish priest
The Period marked the strengthening of Cathechetical instruction. Expansions have been done through various schools within the areas of the parish.
The Vocational Training Skills for parishioners to avail skills training through short term vocational courses was established in 1969
1970- 1972
Fr. Primo Hagad, OMI was back to be 9th Parish Priest
1972-1977
Fr. Bienvenido Leandicho, OMI became the 10th parish priest
Strengthening of Social Services in the Parish
The installation of the 1st batch of lay minister of the Eucharist took place on September 14, 1974
1977-1980
Fr. Enrique Gonzales, OMI was assigned as the 11th parish priest
Convening of the parish General Assembly composed of all the church organizations
First renewal of marriage Vows “en masses” was held
Mobile field masses in remote areas of the parish were held
The return of the electoral process of choosing parish Pastoral Council Offices
The election of Bro. Pons Barcelo, first council president after almost 25 year since Atty Augusto Guanzon’s term in 1952
1980-1986
Fr Ernest Sylvestre, OMI was appointed 12th parish priest, the Last non-Filipino parish priest
Banal na Pag-aaral later changed to Our Lady of Grace Vigil Adores I 1990
Toastmaster’s Club was introduced to the parish to train lay leaders to be good and articulate speaker
The Bible institute was introduced so that lay leaders and parishioners may become oriented of Bible reading and studying
The Grace Park cross had its active circulation
1986-1992
Fr Federico P. Labaglay, OMI spearheaded the renewing church, redirecting people’s religiosity
Parish research office was put up to conduct participatory research in all the eight areas of the parish
1989
A strong parish pastoral council started and leaders had been oriented to BEC formation
1990
Formation of the parish-vision Mission
Constitution and by-laws were written and ratified
Construction of a new sacristy
Installation of a new sound system
1992-1997
Fr. Eleno S. Balboa, OMI was appointed the 14th parish priest
Continued the infrastructure started by his predecessor
Celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the parish took place in 1996
Construction of the church edifice by phase
Phase I- sanctuary
Phase II- roofing
Phase III- flooring and drainage
Launching of different fund-raising to raise money for the church
AVV car Raffle
Munting Mutya Contest
Piso mula sa Signature
One million Signature
Trip to Hongkong Raffle
Second Collection
On the last decade the parish can count this conspicuous improvement:
1.The Church Patio
2.Drainage System
3.Rest/comfort rooms
4.Flower garden/landscaping
5.Roofing
6.Function room
7.Telephone? intercom
8.Information lounge and parish office
9.Systematization of electrical installation
10.Canteen
11.Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration
12.Catechetical Office
13.Social Services Office
14.Candle stand
15.The church edifice
1997-2001
Fr Jose Ante, OMI was appointed as the 15th parish priest His term marked the launching of fund-raising to provide livelihood projects for the eight areas of the parish
2001-2004
Fr. Romeo Marcelino, OMI was the 17th parish priest
The parish took a significant turn in ecclesiastical membership. To be belonged to Archdiocese of Manila but now one more. It belongs now to the Diocese of Caloocan. It heads the vicariate of Our Lady of Grace in Caloocan
2004-2006
Fr. Ruben Ma Gomez, OMI became the 17th parish priest
In his terms saw the birth of tar St. Eugene de Mazenod Community Center which is now home, the Vocational Training School, Kiddie, The columbary and MAMI office.
2006-present
Fr. Ely S. Balboa, OMI is now the parish priest for his second term
Still undergoing process for sustenance of what have been started and developing likewise on the go to
keep alive in its essence of being a true church always dispensing Christ like service so the people may experience the reign of the kingdom of God right here at Our Lady of Grace Parish.
Founding date
1946
Awards
Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Grace - December 7, 2011