Our ministry was born from a simple, aching desire—a longing for a spiritual home that echoed the sounds and devotion of the homeland. For years, our faithful gathered wherever we could, moving between temporary parishes and navigating the long, challenging silence of the pandemic, all while holding onto the hope of finding a permanent place to anchor our faith.

That leap of faith was answered generously in early 2025 by Father Joeven Matugas, who stepped forward to shepherd a flock that had not yet gathered. In those fragile early days, Melissa and Romel Tarin, along with Rose Henley, guided the initial steps, coordinating the community’s heart and logistics. Their devotion culminated in a beautiful, historic inaugural celebration for the Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz at the Missionary Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima.

By October 4, 2025, regular weekly Sunday Masses were officially underway. Soon after, longtime ministry organizers Arlene and Joe Kutzko brought their own hearts and deep experience to the effort, breathing fresh energy into the movement. Through this collective Bayanihan spirit, the community established what has quickly become a beloved new tradition: our vibrant Third Sunday potlucks.

Today, what began as a shared dream has transformed the Shrine into a thriving regional hub where families from across Massachusetts and beyond can reconnect with their roots and celebrate their heritage.