Parish Rectors & Priests

A Legacy of Faithful Leadership

Since its foundation in 1856, the National Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Mercy has been shepherded by devoted men of faith—pastors who have guided generations through times of peace, war, growth, and transformation. Each priest has left a mark on the life of the parish, shaping its mission and nurturing the devotion to Ina ng Awa.

Augustinian Period (1856–1898)

The parish was established and first led by the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA). These early years laid the foundation for centuries of spiritual life in Novaliches.

1856–1857 – Rev. Fr. Andres Martin, OSA (First Parish Priest)
1858–1861 – Rev. Fr. Pedro Portal
1862–1866 – Rev. Fr. Antonio de Mendoza
1867–1868 – Rev. Fr. Simon Robles
1869–1879 – Rev. Fr. Pascual Roque
1880–1890 – Rev. Fr. Mariano Santos
1891–1896 – Rev. Fr. Rafael Omaña
1897 – Rev. Fr. Agapito Peña, OSA
1898 – Rev. Fr. Florentino Monasterio, OSA (Last Augustinian assigned)

Revolutionary Transition (1899–1930)

Due to the Philippine Revolution and the American occupation, the parish was abandoned, and spiritual care was temporarily transferred to San Roque Parish in Caloocan.

1899–1903 – No assigned priest (Parish abandoned)
1903–1930 – Rev. Fr. Victor Raymundo (Administered from San Roque)

Diocesan Period (1930–Present)

In 1930, Novaliches once again became an independent parish. From then on, the parish was led by secular (diocesan) clergy, many of whom played crucial roles in building, restoring, and expanding the church and its community.

Rev. Msgr. Paterno Bernabe 1930–1932

Rev. Fr. Nicolas San Juan 1933–1941

Rev. Fr. Francisco Santiago 1942–1952

Rev. Fr. Segundo Alto 1952–1958

Rev. Fr. Gerardo Bautista

1959–1969

Led the construction of the concrete structure of the Church and the Parish Office.
Also worked closely with Church leaders during this significant period of development.

Rev. Fr. Pedro Hilario

1959–1969

Introduced the Cursillo Movement to the Parish, fostering spiritual renewal and lay involvement.

Rev. Fr. Ramon Vera

1975–1985

Established the Parochial Cursillo House, providing a dedicated space for faith formation and community gatherings.

Rev. Fr. Manuel F. Sebastian

1985–1988

He continued to support and expand the Cursillo and Charismatic Movements within the parish. He initiated the Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC), locally known as “Magka-kapitbahayang Krist’yano” at Our Lady of Mercy Parish.
Fr. Sebastian also launched a livelihood program in partnership with Ricky Reyes, titled “Isang Gunting, Isang Suklay,” which empowered parishioners by teaching them skills to start their own beauty parlor businesses.
During his term, the church was further developed with marble finishes and concrete fencing. He also introduced the parish’s second image of Our Lady of Mercy (Segunda Imahen).

Rev. Msgr. Felipe Ocol

1988–1998

Oversaw the construction of Lourdes Hall (now known as the Meeting Hall). He also served as the Pro Episcopal Vicar for many years, providing leadership and guidance beyond the parish level.

Rev. Fr. Miguelito G. Lagrimas

1998–2007

Fr. Lagrimas served as Parish Priest during the historic establishment of the Diocese of Novaliches. Under his leadership, numerous spiritual and structural developments took place:

He organized the Ministry of Usherettes and Collectors, still known today as “Handog.”
Instituted the overnight vigil “Siege of Jericho,” which culminated in a Dawn Procession every first Saturday.
Fostered spiritual growth through weekly Cenacle Prayer Sessions every Thursday at 7:00 PM, led by BEC Leaders.
Renovated the church and oversaw the installation of the Retablo and Altar crafted by renowned artist Willy Layug, which were blessed on March 3, 2007.
Initiated preparations for the elevation of the parish into a Diocesan Shrine.
Pioneered a successful parish tithing system—the first in the Diocese of Novaliches.
Made the parish a model for Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) through consistent daily Masses in BEC Units or Areas.

Fr. Lagrimas’ tenure marked a period of dynamic growth, making Our Lady of Mercy Parish the spiritual hub for the majority of the faithful in Novaliches due to its accessibility and vibrant community life.

Rev. Fr. Montecarlo M. Viloria

2007–2013

As Rector and Parish Priest, Fr. Monty made significant contributions to both parish life and the wider diocese:

Appointed Director of the Cursillo Movement for the Diocese of Novaliches.
Formalized the First Friday Teaching before the overnight vigil, strengthening catechesis and spiritual formation.
Received delegation from Bishop Tobias to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation every 3rd Saturday of the month.
Encouraged the involvement of police officers in the liturgy during designated Sundays, promoting community integration.
Submitted the official petition to elevate the parish to a diocesan shrine—approved by Bishop Tobias—resulting in the designation of Our Lady of Mercy as the Diocesan Shrine and Parish.

Fr. Viloria’s leadership further enriched the parish’s spiritual mission and formalized its role as a key center of faith within the diocese.

Rev. Fr. Antonio E. Labiao Jr.

2013–2019

As Rector and Parish Priest, Fr. Labiao placed strong emphasis on pastoral care and social development, positioning the Shrine-Parish as a model and pilot center for various diocesan programs:

Launched the Youth Bridge Program, which later evolved into the Educational Assistance Program (EAP)—offering scholarships for high school and college students.
Strengthened partnerships with local government and civic groups through UBAS, LUCAS, AKAP-BUHAY, and AKAP Pamilya.
Continued the active participation of Precinct 4 police officers in parish liturgy, officially named the Blue Mass.
Designated the Shrine-Parish as the pilot area for the Pastoral Concern for Children and Vulnerable Adults (PCCVA), advancing child protection and social awareness efforts.
Initiated the Light of Life Candle-Making Project, promoting livelihood and spiritual symbolism.
Formed new ministries: Sanctus (Faith Defenders) and SocCom (Social Communications Ministry) to enhance evangelization and media presence.
Oversaw structural improvements including the construction of the second floor of the church’s left wing, upgraded pews, church repainting, and the installation of ceiling fans for parishioner comfort.
Under his leadership, the formal petition was submitted for the elevation of the parish to National Shrine status.

Fr. Labiao’s tenure marked a deep integration of pastoral mission, social outreach, and parish development—leaving a lasting impact on both the community and the diocese.

Rev. Fr. Jose Peregrino V. Tomas

2019–Present

Fr. Jose Peregrino Tomas has served as Parish Priest since 2019. His tenure has been marked by pastoral resilience, spiritual deepening, and national recognition:

Our Lady of Mercy Parish was among the first to livestream Holy Masses on Facebook, beginning March 13, 2020, just days before the nationwide lockdown on March 16.
Kept the church open for personal prayer during the pandemic, in strict coordination with Precinct 4 health protocols.
Served as a key liaison in the Vicariate, implementing directives from the Bishop, Chancery, and Caritas Novaliches on relief operations and liturgical practices.
Sustained community devotion through weekly Saturday motorcades featuring the image of Our Lady of Mercy, blessing the faithful.
Installed a dedicated altar for the Original Image (Primera Imagen) of Our Lady of Mercy, preserving the parish’s historical devotion.
Guided the successful petition and CBCP approval elevating Our Lady of Mercy Parish to National Shrine status in 2024.
Renovated the main altar and initiated the ongoing construction of the second-floor Adoration Area, enhancing sacred spaces for worship and silent prayer.

Fr. Tomas continues to lead with compassion, vision, and a strong commitment to enriching the spiritual life of the faithful.

Honoring Their Legacy

Each of these shepherds brought their own gifts—vision, compassion, discipline, and devotion—that contributed to the vibrant life of the parish today. The National Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy stands as a testament to their service and remains a spiritual home shaped by their prayers, leadership, and sacrifices.