MANILA (LiCAS News): The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines [CBCP] designated three churches as national shrines on January 24. The Archdiocesan Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace [EDSA Shrine], and the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Loreto, both in the Archdiocese of Manila, to national shrine status, while the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Aranzazu in the Diocese of Antipolo, is to be elevated to national stature.
The decisions were made on the first day of the bishops’ plenary assembly in Santa Rosa, Laguna. More than 70 bishops from across the country attended the meeting which ended on January 27.
The EDSA Shrine, built in 1989, commemorates the 25 February 1986 People Power Revolution. It was also the site of the 2001 demonstration that led to the ouster of former president, Joseph Estrada.
Meanwhile, the Loreto Church in the Sampaloc district houses the centuries-old image of Our Lady of Loreto. It is currently the only parish in the country dedicated to this Marian title. The Loreto Shrine, originally built by the Franciscans in 1613, was destroyed during the Battle of Manila in World War II and later restored in 1958.
To receive the status of a national shrine, a church must first be designated a diocesan shrine by the local bishop or archbishop
The Aranzazu Shrine in San Mateo, Rizal, has a rich history dating back to 1596, when Augustinian friars established the first settlements in the area.
In 1659, a parish was built in honour of St. Matthew. However, after the Jesuits took control in 1696, the patronage was shifted to Our Lady of Aranzazu, following a devotion started by a Jesuit priest in 1705.
A national shrine is a sacred site recognised by the Catholic Church for its historical, spiritual, or cultural significance, often linked to popular devotion, significant religious events, miracles, or apparitions.
It is also designated to promote the faith through exemplary liturgical celebrations, pastoral care, and dedicated ministry to the faithful.
To receive the status of a national shrine, a church must first be designated a diocesan shrine by the local bishop or archbishop.
This requires the church to be a pilgrimage site for a specific piety, offering superior worship, Christian formation, and social services. Once these conditions are met, the parish can petition for canonical elevation.
If devotion grows, the diocesan shrine may then petition the national conference of Catholic bishops for recognition. In the Philippines, the CBCP oversees the requirements for national shrines.
