The Redemptorist presence in Dumaguete traces its beginnings to the vision of the late Most Rev. Epifanio Surban, D.D., the first Bishop of the Diocese of Dumaguete. From the time of his appointment, Bishop Surban longed to see a Redemptorist foundation in the city. He hoped not only to welcome the missionaries but also to foster devotion to Our Mother of Perpetual Help among the faithful of his young diocese.
He shared this dream with Father Peter Mulrooney, C.Ss.R., then Vice-Provincial of the Redemptorists in Cebu. At the time, the Redemptorists were already stretched thin, balancing promises made to other bishops and struggling with a shortage of personnel. Still, Bishop Surban remained undaunted. As Fr. Mulrooney recalled in his account written for the “Twenty Fifth Year in Dumaguete,” the bishop simply smiled and told him, “If you want to do it, you can do it.” Inspired by this encouragement, the Redemptorists assured him of their willingness to establish a community in Dumaguete—a decision they would never regret.
In January 1958, Fr. Mulrooney traveled to Dumaguete to assess the situation and search for a suitable site. With the guidance of Msgr. Tomas Avenido, the parish priest of the Cathedral, Mass was celebrated the following day at the chapel of Our Mother of Perpetual Help Hospital. The hospital, once built by the Teves family, had ceased operations and stood unused. Alongside the chapel were a house for the sisters who had worked there, offering just enough space for the Redemptorists to begin their mission.
An understanding was later made in Manila between Fr. Mulrooney and the Teves family. It was not written on paper but was instead an agreement built on trust. The Redemptorists were allowed to use the chapel and residence until they could secure a permanent site. The arrangement was providential: it spared them from having to construct a temporary home while they searched for land on which to build their church and monastery.
Three pioneers: Frs. Patrick Sheils. Peter Mulrooney and James Murphy outside the old chapel beside Teves Memorial Hospital, the first Redemptorist Monastery in Dumaguete.
Bishop Surban soon introduced the missionaries to the Escaño family, who warmly welcomed them and supported their efforts. With their help, the Redemptorists purchased a property in Piapo, which was later exchanged for another lot—today the site of the Redemptorist Church and convent in Dumaguete.
Msgr. Surban inaugurates the Parish in 1970.
On June 13, 1958, the Redemptorists officially moved to the city. Fr. Patrick Shiels, C.Ss.R., became the first superior, accompanied by Brother Richard, who was assigned from the Cebu community. Just four days later, Fr. James Murphy, C.Ss.R., arrived as a permanent member of the new foundation.
Fiesta benediction.
From its humble beginnings, the Dumaguete community quickly grew into a hub for missions not only across Negros but also in neighboring provinces. Through the years, it has become a center of pastoral activity, drawing countless faithful to the weekly novena and spreading devotion to Our Mother of Perpetual Help.
Unveiling of the mosaic of Our Mother of Perpetual Help from Italy in 1967.
Msgr. Tomas Q. Avenido blesses the Redemptorist Church bell in 1963.
The church has also been home to important gatherings in the life of the congregation. Among these was the Redemptorist Youth Pilgrimage in 2025, a celebration that highlighted the ongoing vitality of the mission and the enduring faith of young people.
From a bishop’s dream and a promise made in trust, the Redemptorists in Dumaguete have built more than a church—they have helped shape a spiritual home where generations of devotees continue to find strength, hope, and the loving presence of Our Mother of Perpetual Help.
Source: from the articles written by Fr. Peter Mulrooney, C.Ss.R., Fr. Patrick Shiels, C.Ss.R., and Fr. Jim Murphy, C.Ss.R., in “The Twenty-Fifth Year of the Redemptorists in Dumaguete.”