Immaculate Conception Parish in Malabon now a diocesan shrine
The Immaculate Conception Parish in Malabon has been elevated into a diocesan shrine.

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines president Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David led the holy mass and Church rites.
The formal rites were held on Dec. 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, 135 years after its establishment by Augustinian missionaries.
Dr. Zenaida Gonzales, former Parish Pastoral Council chairperson for 12 years, encouraged the faithful to have a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother.
“We should have a strong love for Mama Mary. If we really invoke her, she will really help us bring closer to her son Jesus,” Gonzales said over Radio Veritas.
Rector and parish priest Father Joey Enriquez, for his part, expressed his gratitude to the faithful who supported the parish’s elevation into a diocesan shrine.
The priest called on the faithful to establish a strong devotion to the Mother of God who is a very powerful intercessor and protector against all dangers and evil.
To be designated as a diocesan or archdiocesan shrine, an honor conferred by the local bishop or archbishop, the parish church must be a place to which numerous members of the faithful make pilgrimage for a special reason of piety, said the Catholic News Agency. It must exceed other churches in terms of worship, Christian formation, and social services. When these requirements are met, the parish petitions the bishop to canonically elevate the church.