San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila Parish at Pleasant Hill Subdivision, City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, Bulacan 3023 PH - Our Church History

For several years (from 1986-2000), the Pleasant Hill community has been a sub-parish of St. Peter Parish, Tungkong Mangga under the pastoral care of the benevolent and committed Rev. Fr. Manuel M. Manicad as the Parish Priest. Those years have seen many of the parishioners played an active role in building the People of God through their participation in the different liturgical and pastoral programs of the parish.

On July 3, 2000, God in His unfathomable mercy gifted the community a hardworking and charismatic religious leader through the person of Rev. Fr. Mario Jose C. Ladra. Since that time, the “good shepherd” has been tending his flock so well making sure that the “lost ones” be found, stay forever as well and wander no more.

On September 24, 2000, Fr. Mar Ladra was installed as Priest-in-Charge by the Rev. Bishop Rolando Tria Tirona, Bishop of Malolos. Different sub-parishes were established which include Pleasant Hill, Diamond Crest, Marcela V, Rosanna Heights, Ciudad Real and dela Costa IV. The days and months that followed had witnessed the Parish Pastoral Council and the different mandated organizations as “beehives” of activities. Healing masses, novenas, Blessed Sacrament adorations, vigils, retreats, recollections and other meaningful events were organized to enhance and deepen the parishioners’ relationship with God and with one another.

Recognizing the importance and the esteemed place of St. Lorenzo Ruiz in our hearts, a unique name with a profound meaning was given as a fitting title to the festival of the beloved patron saint: SAMBUKLOD— acronymn for Sambayanang Buhay at Umuunlad Kasama si Lorenzong Dakila. Thus, Sambuklod Festival, was born and the very first was held from September 14-23, 2001 marking also the birth of a tradition and the community’s own religious and social identity.

At this time, the growing number of church goers was evident and the need for a bigger church edifice was felt. However, there was no place, no land to build the church. Prayers, petitions and masses were offered. Parishioners discussed, argued, searched, negotiated and prayed for a suitable and affordable land for the new place of worship.

On June 2002, Fr. Mar Ladra embarked on his First Mission Appeal to the U.S.A. to raise funds for the church lot. Generous friends, relatives, donors and benefactors were asked to give their share. But God cannot be outdone in His generosity—He has given a land to build His Sanctuary WITHOUT ANY COST!

On September 2002 during the 2nd Sambuklod Festival’s Thanksgiving Mass, Ms. Janet Reyes, Vice President of MFR Farms and Hillman Realty handed the land title and deed of donation to Bishop Rolando Tirona awarding a 1,000 sqm. piece of property to the Diocese of Malolos. As bright as the morning sun, GOD MADE A WAY! And onwards the faithful trailed, followed and journeyed with HIM. . .

 After four months, the Groundbreaking Ceremony was held on January 19, 2003. This signaled the start of church construction. Engineer Leo Nicolas and Architect Joseph Herrera were also God-sent. With their expertise rendered freely for the church and with workers toiling for GOD, the pillars and the foundation of the New Church slowly took shape.

Different fund raising campaigns were initiated—“Sponsor a Lot Fund Campaign,” raffles, bingo socials, solicitations and love offerings. But the PM15 worth church project dwarfed the funds raised through these initiatives. Nevertheless, the faithful’s zeal, energy, prayers , hope and trust in the Lord were never found wanting.

 On September 2003, the 3rd Sambuklod Festival was held on a bigger, wider scope as it has been adapted by the City Council of Tourism as the official festival of this city. The sub-parish of Pleasant Hill Sambuklod dancers, a CHAMPION for three consecutive years for the Street Dancing Competition (Mardi Grass), grabbed the Hall of Fame Award.

The following month, October 2003, Fr. Mar embarked on his second Mission Appeal. He traveled to Michigan, Tennessee, Los Angeles and New York armed with nothing but prayers and his undying passion and ardor to realize this Sanctuary be built the soonest possible time. This time, GOD blessed his mission abundantly and were able to complete the New Rectory and Belfry.

On January 2004, some parish leaders and staff together with Fr. Mar prepared documents for the change of status of the parish from a quasi– parish to a full-pledged parish.Finding the documentations in order and upon review and analysis by Bishop Jose F. Oliveros, DD, Apostolic Administrator,Diocese of Malolos, the appeal met with approval during the meeting held on January 27, 2004, Tuesday, the day when St. Joseph Healing Masses are held in honor of the parish’s Second Patron Saint.Immediately afterwards , the Canonical Establishment and Solemn Proclamation of the Parish of San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila was set on March 14, 2004. Rev. Fr. Mario Jose C. Ladra was likewise installed as its First Parish Priest on this date that took place with sacredness and grandeur! God’s Hands were really at work! And with allies in HEAVEN like St. Joseph, Mama Mary and St. Lorenzo Ruiz—who can ever fail those who put their trust in HIM? †