The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has officially elevated three churches to the esteemed status of national shrines. The announcement was made on Saturday during the first day of the bishops’ plenary assembly in Santa Rosa, Laguna, attended by over 70 bishops from across the country.
The newly designated national shrines include:
- The Archdiocesan Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace (Edsa Shrine) in the Archdiocese of Manila.
- The Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Loreto in Sampaloc, Manila.
- The Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Aranzazu in San Mateo, Rizal.
The Edsa Shrine, built in 1989, holds deep historical significance as it commemorates the 1986 People Power Revolution and the 2001 demonstrations that led to the ousting of former President Joseph Estrada.
The Our Lady of Loreto Shrine, originally built in 1613 by the Franciscans, houses a centuries-old image of the Virgin Mary under the Marian title “Our Lady of Loreto.” It was restored in 1958 after its destruction during the Battle of Manila.
The Aranzazu Shrine, dating back to 1596, carries a rich history. Initially dedicated to St. Matthew by the Augustinians, the shrine’s patronage shifted to Our Lady of Aranzazu in 1705 under the Jesuits’ guidance.
A national shrine is a sacred site recognized by the Catholic Church for its spiritual, historical, or cultural importance. To attain this status, a church must first be declared a diocesan shrine, meeting criteria such as being a pilgrimage site, offering exemplary worship, and providing robust pastoral care and social services.
The CBCP oversees the process for national shrine recognition, ensuring the promotion of faith through liturgical celebrations and dedicated ministry.
The plenary assembly, where this momentous decision was made, concludes on Monday, January 27.