The clergy and faithful gathered at St. Joseph Shrine – Aurora Boulevard on December 19 to mark its fortieth dedication anniversary, honoring decades of faith and service to devotees from all walks of life.
The celebration was highlighted by a Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Most Rev. Roberto C. Mallari of the Diocese of Tarlac, marking a moment of reflection on the shrine’s history and a renewed commitment to its mission.
Bishop Mallari recalled his early years of ministry over four decades ago, serving alongside the late Msgr. Arsenio Bautista.
“Imagine natin kung ilan na ang nabinyagan dito sa simbahang ito,” he said, prompting reflection on the countless prayers answered, marriages celebrated, and families strengthened within the shrine.
At the heart of his homily, Bishop Mallari reminded the faithful that the true legacy of the shrine is found in its people.
“At ang bawat isa sa atin ay isang living witness—buhay na tagapagpatotoo sa mga bunga ng templong ito. Ngunit ang bahay-dalanginan ay larawan lamang ng mas mahalagang templo: ang buhay na templong yari sa tao,” he said.
He emphasized that through baptism and the Holy Spirit, every faithful becomes a dwelling place of God, who remains present whenever the community gathers in Jesus’ name.
As the Church approaches the end of the Year of Hope, Bishop Mallari encouraged the shrine to embody the message that “Hope does not disappoint,” echoing Pope Francis’ call for a hope rooted in God’s love and expressed through action.
He urged the faithful to confront societal wounds, especially corruption—with humility, repentance, and personal responsibility, while reaching out to the sick, imprisoned, and the poor to make Christ’s presence alive in the community.
After four decades as a shrine, Bishop Mallari said that St. Joseph Shrine has borne many fruits—but its mission continues.
“With the Lord, we can do more,” he said, calling on the community to remain steadfast in service to both Church and nation.
Established canonically as a parish in 1951 with the title “San Jose de Quezon City” with Rev. Msgr. Jose Sunga as first pastor, the present church edifice was dedicated on December 19, 1985 thanks to the efforts of Msgr. Arsenio Bautista (+) and the parishioners for its renovation.
It was conferred the title Shrine during the leadership of Rev. Msgr. Alfonso Bugaoan, Jr. in 1999 considering the increased devotion to the Foster Father of the Savior.