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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider New Catholic shrine honoring Saint Joseph Marello rises in Antipolo

New Catholic shrine honoring Saint Joseph Marello rises in Antipolo

Published May 31, 2026 02:01 pm
Churchgoers and devotees filled the sanctuary of Saint Joseph Marello Parish, the newest parish church in Antipolo City, as it held its first Sunday Masses on May 31.
The newly built Parish Church of Saint Joseph Marello continues to draw parishioners at its new site at Sitio Loreland in Barangay San Roque, Antipolo City. (Photo by Nel Andrade/Manila Bulletin)
The newly built Parish Church of Saint Joseph Marello continues to draw parishioners at its new site at Sitio Loreland in Barangay San Roque, Antipolo City. (Photo by Nel Andrade/Manila Bulletin)
The procession of the replicas of Saint Joseph Marello was held on May 29, during the eve of the bishop saint's feast day. (Photo by Nel Andrade/Manila Bulletin)
The procession of the replicas of Saint Joseph Marello was held on May 29, during the eve of the bishop saint's feast day. (Photo by Nel Andrade/Manila Bulletin)
The inaugural morning masses were celebrated at 6 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., just a day after the feast day of its patron saint on May 30.
The opening followed a vibrant celebration on the eve of the feast day, which featured a motorcade of Saint Joseph replicas and a lunch gathering at the nearby Pines City Royale Subdivision today.
The new sanctuary, located in Sitio Loreland, Barangay San Roque, was built through faith and donations and stands on a donated 1,000-square-meter property.
Stained glasses depicting the major timeline in Saint Joseph Marello's life form part of the church's wall (Photo by Nel Andrade/Manila Bulletin)
Stained glasses depicting the major timeline in Saint Joseph Marello's life form part of the church's wall (Photo by Nel Andrade/Manila Bulletin)
Parish priest, Fr. Ariel Celeste officiates the 9:30 a.m. Holy Mass at the parish church on May 31. (Photo by Nel Andrade/Manila Bulletin)
Parish priest, Fr. Ariel Celeste officiates the 9:30 a.m. Holy Mass at the parish church on May 31. (Photo by Nel Andrade/Manila Bulletin)
Church goers pray in front of the first class relic of Saint Joseph Marello at Antipolo City's newest Catholic church in San Roque. (Photo by Nel Andrade/Manila Bulletin)
Church goers pray in front of the first class relic of Saint Joseph Marello at Antipolo City's newest Catholic church in San Roque. (Photo by Nel Andrade/Manila Bulletin)
Parish priest Fr. Ariel Celeste of the Oblates of Saint Joseph (OSJ) shared that the rising structure is a fruit of the generosity of a local family and various religious groups.
While the church can already accommodate over 300 churchgoers per mass, construction remains ongoing.
"The ceiling of the church is still being completed, and the main retablo is undergoing finishing touches," Fr. Ariel told the Manila Bulletin.
He admitted being surprised by the swift progress of the construction, which already features stained glass windows depicting major timelines in the life of Saint Joseph Marello.
Currently, the church convent and the parish office are still being built. Fr. Ariel encouraged donors to continue supporting the project, expressing hope that the entire religious facility will be fully completed within the year.
Continuing a legacy for the youth, the parish church is dedicated to Saint Joseph Marello (1844–1895), an Italian Catholic bishop known as a "gem among bishops" and a passionate advocate for the poor and youth education.
Founded by Marello in Asti, Italy, on March 14, 1878, the OSJ congregation dedicates itself to serving marginalized communities. Marello was beatified after the miraculous 1944 healing of a dying seminarian and was later canonized by Pope John Paul II on November 25, 2001, following the miraculous recovery of two children from severe broncho-pulmonitis in 2000.
Saint Joseph Marello, an Italian bishop, an canonized in 2001 by Saint Pope John Paul 2, inspires a community in Antipolo, Rizal.
Saint Joseph Marello, an Italian bishop, an canonized in 2001 by Saint Pope John Paul 2, inspires a community in Antipolo, Rizal.
Following Marello's footsteps, Fr. Ariel plans to establish formation and education programs for the youth of Barangay San Roque to bring them closer to God.
"I wish that this parish will be known in the country as the church that helps the youth in their education and religious formations," Fr. Ariel said.
In a historic blessing for the community, the church houses a first-class relic of Saint Joseph Marello—a bone from his finger—brought directly from Italy by a Filipino priest assigned there years ago.
Fr. Ariel invited the public to visit the new church and seek the intercession of the saint, whom he described as a powerful intercessor.
Regular Sunday masses are set for 6 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., with plans to add more schedules soon.
Fr. Ariel said the parish is looking forward to the church's official dedication once the parish church is completed.
Visitors using private vehicles may pass the former Unciano Hospital along Marigman Road, proceed to Sitio Loreland, and look for the church just after Pines City Royale Subdivision.
Commuters using public transport can easily take tricycles from anywhere in Antipolo City proper to the new parish church.

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