Shrine of Our Lady of Grace (Caloocan City South)

 shrine, Roman Catholic church

The humble beginnings of the Parish began in 1946 when the then Archbishop of Manila, very Rev. Michael J. O’ Doherty granted the request of the Oblate Superior in the Philippines, Rev. Father Gerard Mongeau, to establish a house in Grace Park, Caloocan.

Unknown to many of the parishioners, however, is the fact that the OLGP was once a Quonset hut where religious services were held in the presence of a few persons. Through the years, it underwent many changes becoming today one of the biggest churches in Metro Manila.

The Phil. Realty Corporation, administrators of Grace Park Subdivision, donated the use of eight lots in block 171 for the use of the church. With the help of the U.S. Signal Corps, a chapel was erected on 11th Avenue. This was used as the temporary chapel.

The first Holy Mass was celebrated by Rev. Joseph F. Boyd, OMI in this chapel on May 16, 1946 with 35 persons assisting and one Holy Communion. This small church was blessed on September 8, 1946. The Good Shepherd Convent furnished the choir and undertook the decoration of the church.

As early as second half of 1949, the people of Grace Park in response to the need for a bigger church launched a fund-raising campaign. A new church was constructed and formally blessed on June 3, 1951 by then Manila Archbishop Msgr. Gabriel Reyes. It was also during this period that mandated organizations were created and became very helpful to the OMI’s efforts to pursue the missionary goal of evangelization. The Parish embarked on community orientation projects in order to build a stronger and well organized community of parishioners that can actively participate in church activities.

Our Lady of Grace Parish is now dedicated as Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Grace, the first Diocesan Shrine of Diocese of Kalookan by Most Rev. Deogracias Iňiguez Jr on December 7, 2011.

Website: www.shrineofourladyofgrace.ph