History

On May 18, 1979, then Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin formally established our parish, marking its separation from St. Andrew’s Parish in La Huerta. This milestone crowned years of simple yet faith-filled beginnings, when residents gathered for Sunday Masses in family yards and garages, and later, in a modest chapel along the village’s Main Avenue. That chapel—once a warehouse generously donated by the village developers—became the community’s first sacred space. Masses were then celebrated by Fr. Thomas Cassidy, SVD, of the Divine Word Seminary, as well as by Frs. Silverio Deltour and Albert Depre, CICM, from St. Andrew’s Church in La Huerta, Parañaque.

The parish’s titular name, Mary, Mother of Good Counsel, was proposed by Rev. Msgr. Laureano Caoili, then secretary to Manila Auxiliary Bishop Amado Paulino, to the Archbishop of Manila. Following careful research on this Marian title, parish lay leaders visited Msgr. Caoili’s Sta. Clara Parish in Pasay City, where they encountered the image of Our Lady of Good Counsel. The picture profoundly reflected the Blessed Mother’s tenderness and her intimate love for her children—qualities that made her the perfect patroness for a growing community of faith.

The newly established parish covered a vast territory—from Bicutan to A. Santos Avenue—bounded by Doña Soledad Avenue on the north, the South Superhighway West Service Road on the east, and Sucat Road and San Antonio Valley I on the southwest. It was entrusted with the pastoral care of 13 subdivisions and 18 developing areas, including nearby industrial zones and a hospital—marking the beginning of a vibrant, hope-filled faith community under the gentle guidance of our Mother of Good Counsel.

With the issuance of the Decree came the appointment of Rev. Fr. (later Msgr.) Ernesto Joaquin as the first parish priest. Filled with faith and a deep sense of mission, Fr. Ernie, together with a few devoted parishioners, sought the help of Dr. and Mrs. Felipe Eugenio, the subdivision’s owners and developers, in finding a home for the new parish. Moved by the sincerity of the request and the growing faith of the community, the Eugenio family graciously donated a 2,000-square-meter parcel of land at the end of Peach Street, Phase 2. That generous act became a lasting symbol of faith and cooperation—a sacred beginning to the place where the parish church would one day stand, and where countless lives would be touched by God’s grace through the years.

On August 15, 1981, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Jaime Cardinal Sin presided over the Ceremonial Cornerstone Laying, marking the beginning of the parish’s enduring journey of faith and community under the loving guidance of Mary, Mother of Good Counsel.

On October 3, 1981, Rev. Fr. Dennis Salise was appointed as the second parish priest. In his ministry, he was ably supported by the Salesians of Don Bosco—both deacons and priests—including Rev. Broderick Pabillo, SDB, who would later be ordained a bishop. Guided by the wisdom of Most Rev. Gabriel V. Reyes, then District Bishop of Pasay–Parañaque–Muntinlupa and Las Piñas, Fr. Dennis took the crucial step of securing the title to the donated land, ensuring the parish’s rightful ownership of its sacred ground. At the same time, he spearheaded various fund-raising efforts that united the faithful in a common purpose—the long-cherished dream of building their own parish church, a true home for the community’s growing faith.

By November 1983, the long-awaited construction of the parish church began under the leadership of the Pastoral Council and Fr. Dennis. The project was supervised by Engr. Wenceslao Redito, following the architectural design of Architect Pablo Antonio Jr. The first Mass was joyfully celebrated in the unfinished church on Easter Sunday, April 22, 1984—a powerful sign of resurrection and new beginnings for the community. A week later, on April 29, the feast day of the parish patroness, Jaime Cardinal Sin presided at another Mass, with Vicar Forane Msgr. Ceferino Sanchez and Fr. Dennis concelebrating.

On July 2, 1984, the Congregation of the Sisters of St. John the Baptist opened a school at Superville Subdivision. A year later, on July 2, 1985, the Sisters moved to Phase 5 of Marcelo Green Village, where they opened their formation house and transferred the school—now named Ville St. John Academy—with an initial enrollment of 85 pupils. The newly built school was blessed by Cardinal Sin on July 16, 1985, marking another milestone in the growing partnership between the parish and religious communities.

By 1986, the construction of the parish church was nearly complete. Architect Jesunel Pascual assisted in designing the church’s interior, enhancing its solemn and devotional character. On October 5, 1986, only months after the historic People Power Revolution, the new church was solemnly dedicated by the Archbishop of Manila. The joy of that day symbolized not only the completion of a structure but also the triumph of faith and unity in a community that had learned to hope and work together.

The following year, on August 20, 1987, Cardinal Sin blessed the formation house of the Congregation of the Sons of the Immaculate Conception in Phase 4. The congregation, whose charism focuses on the care of the sick and the education of the poor and abandoned, became a vital part of the parish’s missionary witness. The parish church would later host the ordinations of several members of the congregation—Rev. Frs. Ronald Gene Generao, Sandy Banzuela, Ricardo Llorag Jr., and Rev. Fr. Noel Bacasnot—strengthening the community’s bond with the wider Church.

During the term of Fr. (now Msgr.) Roberto Canlas, significant structural projects were undertaken: the construction of the rectory, the first parish center, and the Adoration Chapel. The parish center—a three-storey building behind the church—housed offices and conference rooms for parish and community use. This would later be called the “old parish center” when a new one was built in 2004. A lot adjacent to the church was also acquired for the future Parish Formation Center. Under Fr. Bobby’s ministry, several devotional practices were introduced, including the First Saturday dawn procession, daily prayers to saints, and the devotion to the Divine Mercy, all of which deepened the community’s prayer life.

On October 2, 1990, the Daughters of the Immaculate Conception of Charity established their Mother Maria Sara Lona Formation House in Phase 3 of Marcelo Green Village. The sisters devoted themselves to the care of the sick and the education of orphans and the needy youth. They also extended their service to hospitals and collaborated closely with the parish in catechizing children.

In 1993, Fr. Hernane Denolo introduced the arancel-free program, allowing parishioners—especially those from developing areas—to receive the sacraments without financial burden. Instead of fixed fees, parishioners were encouraged to support the parish through voluntary monthly pledges, fostering a spirit of stewardship and shared responsibility. This initiative later evolved into what is now known as the Balik-Handog Program.

Under the ministry of Fr. Jose Miranda, the parish launched the “Seven-Minute Catechism” before each Sunday Mass, led by parish catechists including Shirley Peña, Carmela Caringal, and Tita Cerdenia. Inspired by the call of the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines for renewed evangelization, this program helped parishioners rediscover the fundamental truths of the faith, drawn from the Catechism for Filipino Catholics and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

A major turning point came on December 7, 2002, when Pope John Paul II established the Diocese of Parañaque through the Papal Bull Ad Efficacius. Separated from the Archdiocese of Manila, the new diocese appointed Most Rev. Jesse E. Mercado as its first bishop, with St. Andrew’s Church in La Huerta elevated to cathedral status. This transition brought about structural and organizational changes in parish commissions and ministries, aligning them with the new diocesan directives.

In the succeeding years, several major projects were realized. The Sanctuario del Buenconsejo Columbaria was constructed in March 2002 under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Virginio Pedregosa, completed in May 2003, and blessed by Bishop Mercado on June 2, 2003. The new Parish Formation Center followed in 2004, inaugurated and blessed by the bishop on January 5, 2005, in time for the parish’s Silver Anniversary. The center housed the Chapel of St. Joseph, seminar and function rooms, and the parish office. Around this time, eight parish pastoral zones were also established to enhance community participation.

In preparation for the parish’s Silver Jubilee, a new Parish Formation Center was built in 2004 and inaugurated and blessed by the bishop on January 5, 2005. The center houses the Capilla de San Jose, seminar and function rooms, and the parish office, serving as a vibrant hub for formation and community activities.

It was also during this period that the parish implemented a more structured pastoral organization, with the establishment of eight parish pastoral zones, ensuring more effective coordination and participation among parishioners in the life and mission of the Church.

The following years were not without trials. Internal challenges and divisions tested the parish’s unity, prompting a period of discernment and renewal. Under the guidance of Msgr. Jose Bernardo, the Parish Renewal Experience (PREX) program became a beacon of healing and reconciliation. Msgr. Chito, a respected formator and retreat master, helped cultivate deeper spiritual maturity among the faithful. During his term, Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) were established in several areas, and the communal praying of the Liturgy of the Hours began—both signs of a maturing faith community.

Under Rev. Fr. Alfredo Ramos, the Handog Paaral ng Parokya Scholarship Program was launched, supporting students from developing areas through elementary to college. The parish also embraced Gawad Kalinga in the Manggahan–Kawayanan area in 2007, building homes and restoring hope among the poor through faith-based community development. In 2009, the Parish Clinic opened its doors to provide healthcare to financially challenged parishioners. It was also during this time that the Mass with Children was introduced, nurturing young hearts in the Eucharist.

Though brief, the ministry of Rev. Fr. Christian Emmanuel Gabinete (Fr. Ian) in 2011 was fruitful. He unified the youth under the Commission on Youth and led fund-raising activities—such as movie premieres—to sustain the scholarship program. Assisted by Rev. Fr. Carmelo Estores, he also strengthened liturgical alignment with diocesan norms.

In July 2011, Bishop Jesse Mercado appointed Rev. Fr. Enrico Salazar as the parish’s 11th parish priest. Fr. Eric initiated plans for church renovation and mobilized committees for this purpose. However, his transfer in January 2012 to the newly established parish of St. Pio of Pietrelcina—carved out from MMGC—brought significant territorial and personnel changes to the community.

On January 9, 2012, Rev. Fr. Francisco Siguan Jr. assumed leadership of the parish. His ministry focused on community renewal through New Integral Evangelization, revitalizing Basic Ecclesial Communities, promoting lay empowerment, and implementing liturgical and pastoral reforms. He appointed a new generation of young leaders who infused the parish with renewed vigor and vision.

During Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines, two families from the parish were blessed to participate in the Meeting of Families at the MOA Arena. In 2014, the Azure Urban Resort Residences along the West Service Road opened, with the parish extending pastoral care to this new community. In April 2015, the Mater Boni Consilii Grand Choir of the parish was chosen to lead the music for the diocesan Solemn Lauds and Chrism Mass at St. Andrew’s Cathedral. The parish also celebrated Fr. Francis’ 35th sacerdotal anniversary in 2016 and the canonization of St. Alfonso Fusco, founder of the Sisters of St. John the Baptist.

When Msgr. Melchor David was appointed parish priest in July 2017, his arrival marked a new chapter of renewal and growth. Drawing from his experience in social action, environmental ministry, and youth formation, Msgr. Mel convened the Parish Pastoral Assembly, whose resolutions shaped the parish’s future direction. Under his leadership, major church renovations were undertaken, and his warm, pastoral presence during community Masses deepened parish unity. His love for the liturgy and his personable leadership won the respect and affection of the faithful. The parish’s 40th Anniversary was celebrated with great joy, highlighted by the original musical Ave Maris Stella, a cantata narrating the story of the parish icon.

The pandemic in 2020 brought unprecedented challenges, halting many parish activities and limiting gatherings. Yet, through virtual meetings and streamed liturgies, the community remained steadfast in faith and communion.

On November 29, 2020, the newly appointed Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Most Rev. Charles John Brown, chose Mary, Mother of Good Counsel Parish as his very first pastoral visit—a gesture that deeply affirmed his devotion to our patroness.

On December 7, 2023, Msgr. Mario Josefino Martinez was appointed as the 14th parish priest of Mary, Mother of Good Counsel Parish. Having grown up in Marcelo Green, he returned in July the following year not as a visitor but as shepherd to a community both familiar and new. Many of the faces were those he had known since his youth, while others were the newer residents who had made the village their home during his many years away. Embracing this blend of memory and renewal, Msgr. Mario began his ministry with quiet dedication and pastoral care. Among his first initiatives was the renovation of the parish rectory—undertaken to make the pastor’s residence more welcoming and conducive to prayer, rest, and service. It was a fitting beginning for a priest who had come home to serve the community that once nurtured his vocation.

From those early gatherings in family yards to the warehouse-turned-chapel, and from a small faith community to the vibrant parish it is today, our Mother of Good Counsel has never ceased to guide her children. She continues to draw us into a deeper friendship with her Son and to make her motherly presence felt in every joy and trial of our lives.

May our love and devotion to our Mother of Good Counsel inspire many more hearts to welcome Mary and her Son, and to make them a lasting home within their lives.