Atilano Corcuera, SVD
In the 2005 Provincial Chapter, a resolution was approved mandating the Provincialate to take steps toward the er****on of the CKMS Chapel as a shrine or parish. The first action taken by the Provincialate was the appointment of an administrator for the CKMS Chapel to lay the groundwork for its transformation into a shrine. During Lent of 2005, Fr. Dante Venus was the first to assume this role. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, he was unable to continue. In May 2005, Fr. Alfredo Sabado was appointed as the second Administrator of the proposed shrine, with a one-year tenure. Sabado was deemed highly suitable for the role, having served as the coordinator for JPIC (Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation) and as one of the implementers of new ministries. Objectives of the Shrine Project:
🎯 To implement the SVD prophetic dialogue within the Diocese of Cubao and the Archdiocese.
🎯To mobilize SVD members and laypeople in activities that reflect the distinctive SVD charism. Sabado worked under the supervision and guidance of Fr. Manuel Bongayan, parish priest of the Sacred Heart Parish, to which the proposed shrine belonged. Bongayan, also the Episcopal Vicar for Religious in the diocese, served as the liaison with the local bishop. The Sacred Heart Parish of Kamuning (SHP) played a vital role in mobilizing its three mini-parishes around CKMS to support the project. These mini-parishes, along with existing lay organizations based at CKMS, formed the mass base and driving force behind the shrine initiative. To support Fr. Sabado, a pastoral team of priests was formed, including:
Fr. Jerry Orbos
Fr. John O’Mahoney
Fr. Mercado Alcober
Fr. Bel San Luis
Fr. Mario Bije
Fr. Arlo Yap
Accomplishments During Fr. Sabado's Term (2005–2006):
✅A novena to the Divine Word was composed by Fr. Singson and Fr. Horst.
✅The icon of the Shrine was selected: The Annunciation ("Our Lady of the Sign") from an Orthodox source, downloaded from the internet.
✅An adoration chapel was built on the right wing of the CKMS Chapel, accommodating 200–300 weekly visitors and pilgrims.
✅Thousands of signatures were collected to petition for the official declaration of the Shrine. The first celebration of the Shrine’s main feast took place on March 25, 2005—commemorating the Incarnation, when the Word was made flesh. Developments in 2006:
In January 2006, a performance report confirmed that “preliminary technical steps have been taken toward the er****on of CKMS as a Shrine or Parish.” A financial report echoed this, stating that "certain moves have already been made by the local community toward the concretization of the CKMS Chapel into a Shrine." In May 2006, after his one-year term, Fr. Sabado turned over the administration to Fr. Atilano Corcuera, officially appointed by the Provincial to assume the role beginning June 2006. Activities from June to December 2006:
✅The Diocesan Liturgical Commission visited and inspected the proposed shrine (June).
✅Communication and coordination between the bishop and the Shrine administrator.
✅Formal presentation of the collected signatures petitioning the bishop to declare the CKMS Chapel a shrine.
✅Continued advocacy and follow-up by Fr. Manuel Bongayan with the bishop.
✅Intensive formation of lay groups into one united "Shrine Family", including barangays surrounding CKMS.
✅Final approval by the bishop and his Presbyteral Council to erect the Diocesan Shrine of the Divine Word. Official Declaration:
On December 25, 2006, Most Rev. Honesto F. Ongtioco, D.D., Bishop of Cubao, together with the SVD Provincial, the parish priest, the Rector of CKMS, the Rector of the proposed shrine, and several other priests, celebrated a Mass with lay groups and the Shrine Family. During this celebration, the CKMS Chapel was officially declared the Shrine of the Divine Word. Vision
The Shrine of Jesus the Divine Word is a community of families, faith-seekers, and pilgrims, inspired by the Divine Word—growing in faith, justice, and love, and sharing God’s love with all. Mission
✨ To build and strengthen individuals and families through active participation in meaningful worship.
✨ To provide social services to neighboring communities.
✨To promote the study, sharing, and teaching of the Word of God.
✨To organize formation activities through talks and similar engagements. Objectives
✨To mobilize shrine organizations to animate churchgoers into active participation in worship and parish life.
✨To organize and implement projects for underprivileged neighbors, such as medical missions and outreach programs.
✨To offer regular opportunities for recollections, spiritual talks, healing services, and counseling.
✨To encourage active participation in both parish and civic activities.
✨To maintain and enhance a sacred atmosphere for prayer and meditation through the proper care and improvement of shrine facilities and grounds.
