Originally, the first Italian priests—Frs. Marco Grossi, Bernardo Borgogno, and Clemente Canavero—arrived in the Philippines on July 7, 1935. They were welcomed by Msgr. William Piani and temporarily resided at the Apostolic Nuncio’s residence on Taft Avenue, Manila. Later on, they transferred to Lipa City, where they were received by Bishop Alfredo Verzosa, then Bishop of Lipa.

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Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, located at 2130 F. B. Harrison St., Pasay City, was established as a condition for entry into the Archdiocese of Manila by then American Bishop Michael O’Doherty. Under the leadership of Fr. Bernardo Borgogno, SSP, the Society of St. Paul established a residence along F. B. Harrison on August 10, 1941. The parish was canonically erected on October 5, 1941, with Fr. Jerome Casolari, SSP, as the first parish priest.

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Shortly afterward, however, World War II broke out on December 7, 1941. After the liberation of Manila, reconstruction of the church began in 1948 and lasted for almost four years, until 1951. On December 16, 1951, the first Filipino priests—Frs. Moises Pascual Leviste, Francisco Joseph Villena, and Zosimo Augustine Gile—were ordained to the priesthood by the Archbishop of Manila, Msgr. Gabriel Reyes.

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A seminary was later attached to the Pasay community, which steadily attracted many seminarians. The community grew with the arrival of new Italian missionaries—Frs. Stefano Cane, Aristide Marson, Ambrogio Panero, and Bro. Alfonso Panaro—as well as the transfer of Paulines from China, including Fr. Ercole Canavero and Fr. Bertino.

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To date, Our Lady of Sorrows Parish continues to thrive with five members and ministers to the people of Pasay through its pastoral and social programs, particularly through the Our Lady of Sorrows Outreach Foundation, Inc. (OLSOFI).