The Philippines boasts a number of churches dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. This is primarily due to a significant decree made by Pope Pius XII on September 7, 1942, through the Apostolic Letter Impositi Nobis. Responding to the bishops’ request, the Pope officially declared the Virgin Mary, honored under the title of the Immaculate Conception, as the principal patroness of the Philippines. As a result, numerous churches across the country have been erected to pay homage to her. And one of them is the Immaculate Conception Church in Marikina, which we have chosen to visit this Sunday.

Similar to other parishes in Marikina City, the Immaculate Conception parish was originally a constituent part of the mother parish known as Our Lady of the Abandoned. Our Lady of the Abandoned holds the distinction of being one of the oldest parishes in the Diocese and previously encompassed the entirety of Marikina town.

The present-day district of Concepcion was formerly a barrio called Bayanbayanan. In 1949, the residents of Bayanbayanan, with the guidance of Rev. Fr. Jose Mirasol, who served as the chaplain of the Boys Town complex in Parang, worked together to construct a small chapel. The adjacent barrio, showing their support for this initiative, joined the efforts. Father Mirasol, acknowledging the people’s dedication, would regularly celebrate mass at the chapel every Sunday.

Over time, the humble chapel was transformed into the present-day parish church. The new structure was constructed to meet the needs of the growing number of parishioners. Situated on Bayanbayanan Avenue, the foundation stone for the church was laid on December 8, 1969, coinciding with the feast of the parish’s patroness.