The Story of the Redemptorist Church and Parish in Cebu City
When the Redemptorist missionaries were still based in Opon, they began discerning a shift in their ministry. Their growing desire was to dedicate themselves fully to missions, free from the demands of parish administration. This decision eventually led to the turnover of the parish of Birhen sa Regla and Saint Alphonsus Catholic School to the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC). With this transition, the Redemptorists prepared to move their base of operations to Cebu City.
A parcel of land was purchased in what is now the Fuente Osmeña area, and in 1928 construction began on a new monastery—today known as the Holy Redeemer Provincial Center. The building was designed by Mr. Asp, an architect from Manila and constructed by a well-regarded Cebuano builder Miguel Jereza. At the time, El Boletín Católico praised the new structure:
“The building, in chasteness of design and solidity of construction, is equal to, if it does not surpass, any building, ancient or modern, in Cebu.”
On August 2, 1929, the Feast of Saint Alphonsus, the monastery was solemnly blessed. Now unburdened by parochial responsibilities, the Redemptorists renewed their focus on missions, extending their reach throughout Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Negros, and Mindanao.
The outbreak of war interrupted these efforts. Yet the monastery became a place of refuge for both clergy and lay people. During this difficult time, the entire Redemptorist community was arrested and brought to the Normal School. It was only through the courageous intervention of Governor Paulino Gullas—who risked his own life by protesting to the Japanese—that the missionaries were released. The Japanese also attempted to burn the monastery, but the influence of Don Ramon Aboitiz and his son Eddie spared it from destruction, leaving only minor damage.
After the war, as Cebu began to rebuild from devastation, the Redemptorists saw the need for a new church. Despite the fact that many residents had yet to reconstruct their own homes, news of the planned church was met with enthusiasm and joy upon hearing of the news that it will enshrine Our Mother of Perpetual Help. On August 10, 1948, construction began under the leadership of Rector Fr. Luke Hartigan, C.Ss.R., with Engr. Gavino Unchuan as contractor. Two years later, on July 17, 1950, the church was blessed in a solemn celebration led by Archbishop Julio Cardinal Rosales, a lifelong friend of the Redemptorists and a devoted son of the Virgin Mary.
From that day onward, the shrine steadily grew, drawing crowds not only from Cebu City but from far beyond. Its role as a spiritual center was expanded on January 1, 1971, when the Redemptorist Parish of Cebu was officially established to keep up with the needs of the time. This parish, superimposed on the shrine, took pastoral responsibility for a defined area carved from the parishes of Santo Rosario and the Capitol. The priests of those parishes, Msgr. Esteban Monticillo and Fr. Louis Boeren, gave their full cooperation in the transition.
Fr. Patrick Reynolds, C.Ss.R., became the first parish priest. With a pastoral heart, he visited homes to meet parishioners personally and introduced barrio Masses across the community. This outreach laid the foundation for deeper engagement in parish life.
Bible sharing and small Christian communities soon followed. By 1974, under the leadership of Fr. Hugh O’Donahue, C.Ss.R., the second parish priest, the parish expanded its focus on grassroots formation. Using the materials of the seminar program “Alang sa Paglambo sa Kristohanong Kinabuhi” (For the Growth of Christian Life), facilitators were trained to lead Bible reflection groups. These gatherings became the most effective way of connecting faith with the people’s daily lives and strengthening Christian communities.
What began as a mission-focused move from Opon evolved into something greater: a vibrant parish, a beloved shrine, and a place where generations of Cebuanos continue to draw strength and inspiration from Our Mother of Perpetual Help.