The Parish of Saint John Of The Cross was established on March 18, 1992. It’s territory includes the whole civil boundaries of Barangays Pembo and Rizal in the City of Makati. The Parish Church is located at the corner of Hasmin and Sampaguita Streets in Pembo. On July 30, 1999 a parish resolution effecting the start of the construction of a new Parish Church was passed and approved by the members of the Parish Pastoral Council. The cornerstone of the new building was laid on August 2, 1999. The occasion was graced by the presence of His Eminence Jaime Cardinal Sin, Archbishop of Manila. Despite the heavy rains, parishioners crowded the Parish Church grounds to witness the momentous event. It was an afternoon of nostalgia and anticipation as parishioners and guests took a final look at the existing Church structure. This modest building has been a place of worship and solace for more than three decades.
The pioneers of the Parish were members and families of the Scout Rangers Regiment who occupied a large portion of the Philippine Army Reservation in Fort Bonifacio during the 1950’s. The Rangers were likened to the Black Panther, a wild ferrocious animal noted for its cunning and agility in subduing its enemy, because of their exceptional combat skills. Thus, the area was called Panther’s Enlisted Men’s Barrio (PEMBO). In the 60’s, more people moved into the area as residential lots were made accessible to members of other branches of service in the military and civilians. In no time, PEMBO emerged as the biggest barrio in Fort Bonifacio.
PEMBO and all the other barrios in Fort Bonifacio comprised the Post Chaplaincy of Saint Michael the Archangel. The Post Chaplain encouraged the organization of religious groups such as the Catholic Women’s League, Legion of Mary, CursilloMovement, Society of Lay Ministers, and Charismatic Movement in the different barrios. The Catholic community in PEMBO built a small chapel in a tract of land that used to be the children’s playground in Zone 3. The chapel was named after Saint Joseph the Worker who came to be the patron of the barrio. The first of May has been the barrio’s feast day since then. The chapel became the center of religious activities under the supervision of the Post Chaplain. As members of community continued to grow in number, the small chapel became inadequate for their needs. In response, members of the Cursillo Movement, CWL, and Ladie’s Club spearheaded fund drives to finance the construction of a bigger structure in the same location.
The establishment of Mater Dolorosa Parish in 1987 brought significant changes to the community. PEMBO, COMEMBO and EAST REMBO were included in the terrritory of the new Parish. The new Parish was placed under the care of Amigonian fathers and Brothers with Rev. Fr. Donato Gatto as its first Parish Priest. With the Parish Church located in East Rembo, masses were still celebrated and sacraments were still administered in Saint Joseph the Worker chapel under the guidance of the Parish Priest. Chapel-based religious organizations and movements were recognized by the parish. A sub-parish pastoral council was created to represent the PEMBO community in the Parish Pastoral Council.
Saint Joseph the Worker was recognized as a Chaplaincy in a decree by the Archbishop of Manila on August 9, 1991. Monsignor Narciso Ponferrada was appointed Chaplain but for undisclosed reason, he did not assume his post. Hence, Mater Dolorosa parish continued its pastoral care of the PEMBO community.
The community’s well being has been the primary concern of religious leaders in PEMBO and Mater Dolorosa parish. They recognized that the needs of more than 45,000 Catholics in PEMBO were distinct from other communities in the parish. In 1991, the PEMBO sub-parish pastoral council filed a petition with the Archbishop of Manila. The petition called for the conversion of the Chaplaincy of Saint Joseph the Worker into a parish. This was supported by barrio officials and residents of PEMBO. The petition was endorsed by Rev. Fr. Francisco Javier Cabezas, successor of Rev. Fr. Gatto. The community prayed and waited for a favorable response.
By God’s grace, the waiting ended on March 18, 1992 when the decree establishing the Parish of Saint John of the Cross was signed by His Eminence Jaime Cardinal Sin. Saint John of the Cross, Doctor of the Church, poet, and one of the greatest mystics of all times was chosen as the patron of the new parish. His feast day is December 14. Saint Joseph the Worker remained the patron of the barangay and was regarded as a secondary patron of the parish. Rev. Fr. Fernando S. Canicula was appointed parish priest on March 24, 1992.
Various religious practices and celebrations were started during the early years of the parish. The first parish fiesta was celebrated on December 6, 1992. Highlights of the fiesta were the launching of BATINGAW, the parish newsletter, and the Coronation of Princesito and Princesita. In October 1996, the Basic Ecclesial Communities were formed in the parish. The first street mass was held on December 4 of the same year.
Many activities were undertaken during the tenure of Rev. Fr. Canicula. Among these were monthly parish recollection, Kasalang Bayan, Kumpilang Bayan, Family Day, novenas, May flower offering, processions, vigils, and seminars. Fund drives were organized to establish a fund for the construction of the new parish church structure. Chapels (i.e., San Isidro Labrador, SantoNiño, San Pancratius and Fatima) were erected in different areas and masses were celebrated there on occassions. Meetings were also held on the chapels. Aside from its internal concerns, the parish took time to participate in the activities and programs of Archdiocese of Manila. Parish delegates joined the World Youth Day festivities in 1995. Launching of Jubille years in 1996, and the Pro-Life and Anti- Charter Change Rallies in 1997. The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) conducted voters’ education forums during campaign season. A PPCRV Assistance Center manned by volunteers was put up in pulling places on election day.
On June 29, 1996, PEMBO was split into two barangays – PEMBO and RIZAL. Both barangays were still under the jurisdiction of Saint John of the Cross Parish. The parish church location remained within the boundaries of PEMBO while the locations of the four chapels were considered part of RIZAL.
Rev. Fr. Canicula was succeeded by Rev. Fr. Andy Ortega Lim effective August 15, 1998. Rev. Fr. Lim was installed as parish priest on November 7, 1998. As the new parish priest, he continued most of the parish activities and introduced new ones. In his first year, new organizations were formed. These were Commentators and Lectors Ministry, Knights of Columbus, Mass Collectors Group, Grand Choir, Couples for Christ, Marriage Encounter and Divine Mercy Apostolate.
In June 1999 the Parish Mission and Vision Statements were formulated and approved by the Parish Pastoral Council. The Parish Mission statement is “Isang sambayanang nagkakaisa at nagmamahalan tungo sa pagpapalaganap ng Pag-ibig ng Diyos” and its Vision is “Isang aktibong sambayanan na maka-Diyos, puno ng pag-asa, matagumpay at tumutugon sa tawag ng Ama”.
It was also that year when the parish delegates joined the Convention on God the Father Seminars conducted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, and the Anti-Charter Change Rally. Current issues were presented and the stand of the Church on these were explained in forums and homilies.
In November 1999, the election of new sets of officers for the Parish Pastoral Council was held. The elected officers pledged to render their service and commitment in building true spirit of the community.
The year of the Jubilee was welcomed with great hopes by our parish. Various events in the Jubille year were attended and participated by the people. It was also the start of the submission od plans and calendar of activities for the entire year. Fund raising projects were held, some of which were the Ballroom dancing and raffle draws.
Some of the most memorable events during this year were as follows:
Prudential Life Insurance Plan chose Saint John of the Cross Parish as the recipient of their annual pledge as thanksgiving for their anniversary. (May 8,2000)
The “Dinner for a Cause” was attended by the local officials in Makati and other participants who pledged to donate money for its on-going construction. (June 2, 2000)
Visit of the Jubilee Cross in the Parish brings indulgence and salvation. (June 2, 2000)
Masses already held at the 2nd floor, main church
Formation of St. John of the Cross Parish Charismatic Movement
Parishioners and members of different religious organization joined the Prayer Rally for Peace (November 4, 2000)
The Parish remains an active supporter of activities and programs of the Archdiocese of Manila.
The community of St. John of the Cross continues its journey to the Home of the Father.