Pius XII Catholic Center Celebrates 60 Years as the Home of Catholic Action

by Margaux Salcedo

The Pius XII Catholic Center celebrated its 60th Anniversary on August 17, 2024 with a Eucharistic Celebration presided by Cardinal Jose Advincula, Archbishop of Manila, concelebrated by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, and Bishop Teodoro Bacani, Archbishop-Emeritus of Novaliches.

The Pius XII Catholic Center was inaugurated on August 27, 1964 by then-Archbishop Rufino Santos—who had yet to become Cardinal. He built the center in pursuit of the vision of his predecessor Archbishop Gabriel Reyes, the first Filipino Archbishop of Manila, for a home for Catholic Action.

Since its inauguration, the Center has fulfilled its mission as major Catholic organizations such as  the Legions of Mary, the Mission Societies of the Philippines, the Family Rosary Crusade, the Knights of Malta, and Pondo ng Pinoy, among others, set up office at the Center.

In 2010, the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting set up their Command Center at the St. John XXIII Auditorium, once again bringing to the life the mission of Catholic Action, as the PPCRV safeguarded the votes of the Filipino people, making sure the voice of Catholics are heard in the most important democratic event of a nation. 

Practically every year, the Piux XII Catholic Center also hosts the Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines. Bishops from out of town or even out of the country stay at the Center's hotel which was built during the time of Cardinal jaime Sin named the Friendship Hall Living Suites.

Before the final blessing, the Archdiocese of Manila through Cardinal Advincula presented the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco a plaque for their 60 years of service to the Center, as they are the ones who manage the Ladies' Dormitory. 

Cardinal Advincula also presented a plaque to Ms. Marissa Campaña, the General Manager of the Center for 38 years. 

Ms. Marissa Campaña gave her closing remarks, after which she presented Cardinal Advincula with a legacy book of the Pius XII Center which details its history and milestones. This was authored and edited by Dominus Est editor-in-chief Margaux Salcedo, with the cover design by Dominus Est artist Jon Lecias.

The Center was named after Pope Pius XII, whose coat of arms is on the building. Its motto was adopted from Pope Pius X: To Restore All Things in Christ.