Philippines: RVA Central Office Inaugurates Three Saints Chapel on Divine Mercy Sunday

Radio Veritas Asia marked a significant milestone with the blessing and inauguration of its newly renovated “Three Saints Chapel” on April 12, Divine Mercy Sunday, drawing more than 200 faithful to a thanksgiving Mass at its central office in Quezon City, Philippines.

The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Bishop Elias L. Ayuban Jr. of the Diocese of Cubao, who also serves as vice chairman of the board of the Philippine Radio Educational and Information Center (PREIC), which owns Radio Veritas Asia.

He was joined by concelebrants including Fr. Felmar Fiel, SVD, the General Manager and Fr. John Mi Shen, the Program Director, along with priests serving at the RVA central office.

In his welcome remarks, Fr. Felmar Fiel, SVD, expressed gratitude for the completion of the chapel’s renovation, which comes as RVA celebrates its 57th founding anniversary.

“After more than 15 years, this chapel has undergone significant renewal,” he said. “What began as minor repairs has become a meaningful transformation, repainting, new carpeting, the installation of the Stations of the Cross, and improved facilities.”

He acknowledged that the renovation was made possible through the generosity of daily Mass sponsors, whose continued support sustains RVA’s evangelizing mission across Asia.

Blessing and Message of Mercy

Bishop Elias Ayuban led the blessing ceremony, invoking God’s grace upon the newly renovated chapel as a place where “strangers are welcomed, the lost are found, and the weary find rest,” and sprinkling it with holy water.

In his homily, the bishop reflected on the theme of Divine Mercy, emphasizing that mercy is not merely something God gives, but God’s very identity. Quoting Pope Francis, he said, “God never tires of forgiving us; it is we who tire of asking for forgiveness.”

Referring to the Gospel account of Thomas the Apostle encountering the risen Christ, Bishop Ayuban noted that the risen Jesus retained the scars of His wounds, which were not erased but transformed into signs of glory.

“Do not be ashamed of your wounds,” the bishop told the faithful. “They are the very channels through which God sends His grace.”

Dedication to Three Saints

Following the homily, the chapel was formally dedicated as the RVA Three Saints Chapel, honoring three towering figures of modern Catholic witness: Pope Paul VI, Pope John Paul II, and Mother Teresa.

In a brief introduction, Fr. John Mi Shen explained the significance of the dedication, recalling that all three saints had visited RVA and left a lasting spiritual legacy.

“By dedicating this chapel to these three saints, we place this institution under their intercession and seek to imbibe their missionary zeal, their love for Christ, and their tireless proclamation of the Gospel,” he said.

Relics of the three saints, including a skullcap of Pope John Paul II, were then brought in solemn procession.

Bishop Ayuban received the relics and placed them in a specially prepared niche within the chapel wall, officially dedicating the chapel in their honor.

Celebration and Looking Ahead

Following the Mass, a luncheon was held for attendees. A short video highlighting RVA’s history and mission across Asia was screened, along with testimonies from daily Mass- goers and staff, who shared what the chapel means to them. Some also recalled personal encounters with the three saints during their visits to RVA.

Looking ahead, Fr. John Mi Shen announced preparations for RVA’s 60th founding anniversary in 2029. As part of the lead-up, each of the next three years will be dedicated to one of the three saints, culminating in the creation of a “Three Saints Garden” on the RVA grounds, featuring life-size statues and reflections on their lives.

The RVA Three Saints chapel now stands as a spiritual heart of Radio Veritas Asia, an enduring symbol of faith, mission, and communion with the universal Church.