In solidarity with the celebration of the quadricentennial or 400th year of the founding of the first parish of the City of Valenzuela, the Parish of San Diego de Alcala in Polo, and the 400th Year of the Reorganization of Polo as a Pueblo, we now look back on the important event that shaped the current spiritual life of Catholic believers in the city of Valenzuela.
INTRODUCTION
Before the town of Valenzuela became part of Metro Manila in 1975 and became a full-fledged city in 1998, it was known as the town of Polo, and was still part of the province of Bulacan. Even before the Spaniards reached Polo, it was already a settlement. Don Felipe Salonga (one of Lakandula’s sons) was one of those who ruled this area; and we will remember that he was part of the Sabwatan sa Tondo (Tondo Conspiracy) of 1587, where he was one of those who planned the strike against the Spaniards. The Franciscan missionaries played a big part in sowing the seed of the Catholic faith in the southern part of Bulacan. Polo first became a doctrinaire (a missionary place administered by an order), several missionaries arrived in Polo to preach the Good News, among them Beato Francisco de Santa Maria (c. 1586). Year 1623 when the first church was built in Polo, and when there was a reorganization of this area according to the Spanish plan to become a full pueblo. The following is a sequence of events that show the development of the Christian faith in the City of Valenzuela, since the establishment of its first parish in the year 1623, and the subsequent growth of parishes within the town from Parish of San Diego de Alcala. Some events related to the spiritual life of the believers of this city will also be mentioned here.
March 5, 1621 – It is assumed that Fray Francisco de Sta. Maria (now blessed) in Polo as a missionary. Beato Francisco de Santa María was one of the thirty-eight Franciscans who made up the ninth mission that came to the Philippines in the year 1606. He was born in Montalbanejo, Spain in 1586 from a rich farmer’s family. He was sent to the Provincia de San Jose in Mexico where he dedicated himself to the Franciscan order. Later, he was ordained as a priest in the Provincia de San Diego. From here he administered several parts of Katagalugan; signed the libros parroquiales in Meycauayan in 1608, became minister of Balete and from 1617 to 1619, administered Sampaloc from 1619 to 1621, and Polo from 1621 to 1623. Polo became a doctrina (a mission area administered by an order)
1623 – The first parish was established in Polo under the supervision of Father Juan Tarancon OFM, and under the supervision of San Diego de Alcala. Polo was reorganized as a pueblo from the first settlement reached by the Spanish. The date November 12, 1623 is recognized as Valenzuela Day. Although there is no specific date of establishment, it was based on the celebration of the first feast of the patron of the said parish, where the believers first gathered in a celebration.
June 14, 1625 – First administration of Father Antonio de San Gregorio, OFM, who was assigned as parish priest of Polo in the years 1625, 1646 and 1652 January 26, 1624 – Father Alonso de Santa Ana took over as parish priest of Polo. He came from Pon Ferrada of Astorga and was ordained as a priest in the Provincia de San Jose. In 1597 he studied the language in Meycauayan and supervised Lucban in 1599. Then he also went and supervised the spiritual needs of the believers in Tayabas, Gumaca, Mauban, Meycauayan, Morong, Pililla, Polo and Sampaloc until 1625. He wrote the Explicacion de la Doctrina Cristiana and the Version de la Doctrina del Cardenal Belarmino in Tagalog, which contains his explanation about the Oficio Divino and about the content of the Holy Mass.
1632 – The parish church of San Diego de Alcala was completed, led by Father Jose Valencia OFM.
April 29, 1754 – The town of Obando was separated from Polo and became a full town on May 14, 1753 by virtue of the decree issued by Governor General Francisco Jose de Obando y Solis. After the death of the governor general, Don Francisco Morales y Mozabe, then Alcalde Mayor of the province of Bulacan led the inauguration of the newly established town of Obando, together with Reb. Pd. Alejandro Ferrer and others. The following year, May 20, 1754, the new parish of Obando was established: the Iglesia de San Pascual Baylon de Pueblo de Obando (Church of San Pascual Baylon of the Town of Obando). Reb. Pd. Manuel de Olivencia became the first parish priest here.
May 7, 1754 – Lands in Hacienda de Malinta were granted to the Augustinian priests; and it formally became the property of the Augustinians on June 2, 1829. The Hacienda de Malinta is located within the jurisdiction of the town of Polo, Bulacan. It measures 594 quinones and 4 loanes, with an equivalent of 3,424 hectares, approximately. It is bordered to the north by the Meycauayan river, to the south by the Tinajeros river, to the east by the two other haciendas of Tala and Piedad. Casa Hacienda de Malinta had its own church.
May 12, 1764 – It is believed that the first Polo festival was held at the patron saint of San Roque. During the height of the British occupation of Manila, the unrest caused by it reached as far as Polo, Bulacan. The Poles fled to the woods of the Veinte Reales where many of them contracted malaria. They attributed their recovery and salvation to San Roque, patron saint of Mabolo. After returning from their evacuation, they celebrated San Roque every May 12.
September 24, 1856 – The new parish of Novaliches was established. The Archbishop of Manila, Jose Julian de Aranguren, ordered the Augustinian friars to take care of the spiritual needs of the newly founded town. At the same time, the construction of what would become the town’s first prayer house began. Fray Andres de Martin was appointed as the first parish priest of this town. Prior to this, on January 26, 1856 the town of Novaliches was formally established after the Audiencia Real heard the petition for the separation of the town and approved it in 1855. The new town of Novaliches was formed from a visitation from the town of Polo , two barrios from the town of Meycauayan, and a part of Barrio Soledad from the town of Caloocan. A large part of the town of Novaliches comes from the town of Polo. The parish was first assigned to Santisimo Sacramento, later the new parish was placed under the patronage of the Blessed Virgin of Mercy.
September 24, 1856 – The new parish of Novaliches was established. The Archbishop of Manila, Jose Julian de Aranguren, ordered the Augustinian friars to take care of the spiritual needs of the newly founded town. At the same time, the construction of what would become the town’s first prayer house began. Fray Andres de Martin was appointed as the first parish priest of this town. Prior to this, on January 26, 1856 the town of Novaliches was formally established after the Audiencia Real heard the petition for the separation of the town and approved it in 1855. The new town of Novaliches was formed from a visitation from the town of Polo , two barrios from the town of Meycauayan, and a part of Barrio Soledad from the town of Caloocan. A large part of the town of Novaliches comes from the town of Polo. The parish was first assigned to Santisimo Sacramento, later the new parish was placed under the patronage of the Blessed Virgin of Mercy.
Circa 1870 – It is believed that the image of Santo Rosario was taken from the Coloong mangrove
1873 – According to Dr.’s annotation. Jose Rizal in the book “Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas”, he stated there that he reached the Pole when he was twelve years old. According to him, “There is in Pulo (town of Polo, Bulacan) an old friar, who is the cura parocco of the town, who is especially famous as a soothsayer, and he is the one who is asked for help regarding theft, etc… The writer of this note, as a child in the year 1873, went to him once with an acquaintance who wanted to ask for his help.” The friar referred to here, Father Jose Huerce OFM, served as cura of the parroquia from 1865-1885 (“se la encargo la administracion de Polo”), and was “very respected and loved by the people of the town, the arabales and even those in Manila… because of his ability to discover unseen things” “…respeto y carino a su habilidad para averiguar cosas ocultas, teniendo las gentes sencillas por adivino.” – Biographical Catalog of the Franciscan Order in the Philippine Islands.
1900 – Supposed to be the first year of the administration of Father Ladislao Santos, the first Filipino parish priest in the Parish of San Diego de Alcala. This is the first time that the Archdiocese of Manila has taken over the parish in Polo, after it was administered by the Franciscan Order for many years.
1904 – It is assumed that the first visitor or chapel was built in Barangay Karuhatan
1906 – Supposed to be the first year of the administration of Father Esteban Daez, the first Filipino parish priest of the Parish of San Diego de Alcala born in the town of Polo.
1919 – The first election of the Hijas de Maria of Polo was held. Aurora Agustines was elected its first president.
1945 – The Church of Polo was destroyed due to the invasion of American forces for the liberation of Polo from the Japanese
April 16, 1946 – The Praesidium Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, the oldest praesidium of the Legion of Mary in the entire town of Polo, was established.
1950 – St. was established. Vincent Seminary in Barangay Karuhatan. The seminary remained in this area until it moved to its current location in Tandang Sora, Quezon City on June 16, 1979 and reopened in 1985 as St. Vincent School of Theology (SVST) During its stay in Karuhatan, they formed 41 Filipino Vincentian priests: 2 of them became provincials, 13 superiors, 7 provincial consultants and 7 rectors of parishes. The location of the former seminary is where SM Center Valenzuela now stands.
November 10, 1951 – The new Church of San Diego de Alcala in Polo was blessed and inaugurated, led by the Archbishop of Manila Gabriel M. Reyes.
July 1954 – The Praesidium Aba Banal na Reyna, the oldest praesidium of the Legion of Mary, was established in the countryside of the town.
March 7, 1961 – The Parish of Our Lady of Fatima was established in Marulas from the Parish of San Diego de Alcala. By virtue of the order of Cardinal Santos of the Archdiocese of Manila (the Diocese of Malolos had not been established at that time) the new parish was formed which consisted of the new town of Valenzuela. Father Espiritu D. Izon was appointed as the first parish priest here. This happened a few months later, since President Carlos P. Garcia, on July 21, 1960 signed Executive Order No. 401 that will divide the town of Polo in two and create the new town of Valenzuela.
March 11, 1962 – The Diocese of Malolos was established and the town of Polo was included in the jurisdiction of the newly established diocese.
October 28, 1964 – Established St. Jude Academy in Malinta, the first Catholic school in Valenzuela City. In the year 1963, Don Pastor Constantino donated 3000 square meters of land to the Augustinian nuns in the Malinta area. In June of the same year, the school year opened with their first 35 students. On October 28, 1964, the land was formally granted to the school and it was formally named St. Jewish Academy. Undergoing a name change in February 2009, it is now known as La Consolacion College of Valenzuela and is administered by the Augustinian Sisters of Our Lady of Consolation.
July 20, 1975 – The Parish of San Isidro Labrador was established in Malinta from the Parish of San Diego de Alcala. Father Marcelo K. Sanchez became its first parish priest.
June 12, 1976 – The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines nominated the Parish of Our Lady of Fatima in Marulas the title of National Shrine.
July 17, 1978 – The Parish of the Blessed Virgin of the Holy Rosary was established in Maysan, from the Parish of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Fatima. Padre Rolando Ang was the first parish priest here.
December 21, 1981 – Established the Parish of Santo Cristo, Marulas from the Parish of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Fatima. Father Vicente Vasquez became the first parish priest here.
September 4, 1982 – The first branch of the Valenzuela Blue Army Cell was established in Valenzuela City. Sis. Jeanette Maliwat became its first president. It is now known as the World Apostolate of Fatima.
December 11, 1982 – The National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima was dedicated, led by the former Archbishop of Manila, Jaime Cardinal Sin.
1983 – San Diego Parochial School is founded. First known as Angelette’s Nursery School led by the Catholic Women’s League (CWL) of the parish under the leadership of Sis. Mercedes D. Agustin. In the year 1986 it was formally known as San Diego Parochial School after it was formally managed by the parish. It is administered by the Dominican Sisters of St. Joseph.
July 3, 1985 – Appointed Mons. Deogracias Iniguez of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima as Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Malolos.
October 13, 1990 – The Parish of the Holy Cross was established by Gen. T. De Leon from the Parish of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. In the year 1985, the believers of Barangay Gen petitioned. T. De Leon in the Diocese of Malolos to appoint their guest as a full parish. Father Mario DJ Arenas was the first parish priest.
April 26, 1992 – The Church of San Isidro Labrador in Malinta was dedicated under the leadership of the former Bishop of Malolos Cirilo Almario.
December 7, 1994 – The Parish of the Risen Lord was founded in Veinte Reales, from the Parish of San Diego de Alcala. Padre Ranillo Trillana became its first parish priest.
October 29, 1995 – The Church of the Blessed Virgin of Santo Rosario was dedicated in Maysan.
October 17, 1999 – An agreement was reached between Bahay Maria and the National Shrine through the “Agreement for Acceptance of Responsibility for Care and Protection”, where the National Shrine is formally entrusted with the care and protection of the National Pilgrim Image of the Blessed Virgin of Fatima, or better known as the EDSA Image. Along with this is the arrival of the National Pilgrim Image of the Blessed Virgin of Fatima at the National Shrine. Since it came from New Jersey, the United States, it was first placed in Bahay Maria until 1999.
2000 – The National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima was presented as the place of pilgrimage of the Diocese of Malolos in the Year of the Great Jubilee.
June 24, 2001 – The Parish of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, Malanday, was established from the Parish of San Diego de Alcala. Padre Dindo Hilario became its first parish priest.
2002 – The Churches of the Blessed Virgin of the Holy Rosary in Maysan and the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Fatima were designated as pilgrim churches of the Diocese of Malolos in the Year of the Holy Rosary (2002-2003).
December 14, 2022 – The Church of San Juan de la Cruz was dedicated in Ugong, led by Lub. kg Rolando Tria Tirona O.C.D. D.D., former Bishop of the Diocese of Malolos.
2004 – The Parish of San Juan dela Cruz was established in Ugong, from the Parish of the Holy Cross. It first became a quasi-parish in 1993. Father Albert Santiago became its first parish priest.
May 8, 2009 – The Parish of the Holy Family was established in Karuhatan, from the Parish of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Fatima. It first became a quasi-parish on June 15, 1996. Padre Cenon Dennis Santos was the first parish priest here. On this same day, the Church was consecrated under the leadership of Bishop Jose Oliveros of the Diocese of Malolos.
February 28, 2011 – The Blessed Virgin of Fatima was presented as the patron of the city of Valenzuela, by virtue of the issued Ordinance No. 16 s. of 2011 signed by (then Councilor) Lorena Natividad-Borja and the Valenzuela City Council.
November 10, 2015 – The Parish of San Jose was established in Punturin. Padre Roman Caleon became the first parish priest here. December 2015 – The National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima was presented as a place of pilgrimage in the Diocese of Malolos in the Year of the Unique Jubilee of Mercy (December 2015 – November 2016)
May 13, 2017 – The episcopal coronation was conferred on the National Traveling Image of Our Lady of Fatima at her National Shrine. It was led by Lub. kg Jose F. Oliveros, DD, Bishop of the Diocese of Malolos February 17, 2018 – Appointed Mons. Bartolome Santos Jr of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Fatima as Bishop of the Diocese of Iba.
May 13, 2020 – the National Simultaneous Consecration of the Philippines to the Immaculate Heart of Mary was performed at the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Fatima on the feast of the Blessed Virgin of Fatima at the height of the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was led by Lub. kg Romulo G. Valles, Bishop of the Diocese of Davao and President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and Lub. kg Dennis C. Villarojo, Bishop of the Diocese of Malolos, together with the bishops of our country.
March 3, 2021 – the Church of San Diego de Alcala in Polo and the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima were presented as pilgrimage churches (pilgrim churches) of the Diocese of Malolos when the country celebrated the 500th Year of the Arrival of Christianity.
August 21, 2021 – Established the Mala-Parokya (quasi-parish) of the Blessed Virgin of Lourdes in Bignay. Reb. Pd. Julius Faa was appointed as the priest-in-charge.
Written by: Mr. Danilo A. Lumabas, Guest Researcher, DCSC Reseach Team
SOURCES:
Cruikshank, Bruce. Spanish Franciscans in the Colonial Philippines, 1578-1898: Catalogs and analysis for a history of Filipinos in Franciscan parishes. Nebraska: Cornhusker Press, 2003.
Huerta OFM, Fr. Felix. Geographical, topographical, statistical, historical-religious state of the holy and apostolic province of S. Gregorio Magno. Printing house of N. Sanchez, Binondo, Manila, 1865.
Platero OFM, Eusebio Gomez. Catalogo biografico de los religiosos Franciscanos de la province de San Gregorio Magno de Filipinas. Printing house of the Royal College of Santo Tomas, 1880.
San Antonio OFM, Juan Francisco de. Chronicas de la apostolica provincia de S. Gregorio, Papa, el Magno … de religiosos descalzos de N.S.P. Francisco en las Islas Philipinas, China, Japon &c: Parte segunda… Impressa en la imprenta del vso de la propria province, sita en el convento de Nuestra Senora de Loreto del pueblo de Sampaloc, extramuros de la ciudad de Manila: por Fr . Juan del Sotillo, 1741.
Schoenstein OFM, Erwin. “San Pedro Bautista in the Philippines.” OFM Archives – Philippines. Accessed: February 1, 2023. https://ofmphilarchives.tripod.com/id11.html.
Arenas, Mar D.J. (1997). Valenzuela: The Hero and the Town (in Tagalog). Valenzuela City: Museo Valenzuela Foundation, Inc. & Valenzuela Historical and Cultural Society.
Dionisio, Ronaldo (2008). N. S. P. San Francisco de Asis: History of the Meycauayan Faith Life. Guiguinto Printing Press, Guiguinto, Bulacan.
Fabularum, Virgilio C. “Spreading Further the Message of Our Lady of Fatima.” In Grace, Gratitude and Generosity: The History of the Parish of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. Valenzuela City: National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, 2012.
Moran, Jose Maria, OP. (1930). Bouan nang Octubre sa Macatuid ay manga Pagninilay nang manga Catotohanan sa Rosario nang Mahal na Virgen. Manila: UST Press.
Dyigs, Souvenir Program for the Feast Day of San Diego de Alcala, Polo. Valenzuela City: San Diego de Alcala Parish, 2011.
Historical Data Papers, Polo, on microfilm. The National Library, 1951.
Mahal na Birhen, A Commemorative Magazine in Celebration of the 10th Year of the Grand Marian Exhibit of the Museo Valenzuela Foundation and the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. Valenzuela City: National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, 2008.
Mahal na Birhen, A Commemorative Magazine in Celebration of the 10th Year of the Grand Marian Exhibit of the Museo Valenzuela Foundation and the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. Valenzuela City: National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, 2015.
Parokya ng Banal na Krus, Aklat Pang-alaala, Ika-25 Taong Pagkakatalaga ng Parokya. Valenzuela City: Parish of the Holy Cross, 2015.
Markers from:
San Isidro Labrador Parish (Malinta), Parish of the Risen Lord (Veinte Reales), Hearts of Jesus and Mary (Malanday), Parish of the Holy Family (Karuhatan), Parish of the Holy Cross (Gen. T. De Leon)
Interviews and Inquiries from:
Mr. Jose Data, Louie Dominador, Sir Erico P. Ravela, Sis. Gregoria Vengano, Sir Jose Wenceslao Panganiban, Godfrey Bahia
From the parish offices and social media accounts of: Parish of the Holy Cross, Parish of the Holy Family, Sto. Cristo Parish, Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish, Parish of the Risen Lord, San Isidro Labrador Parish, Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish
