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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider 268-year-old Obando Church in Bulacan named PH's new national shrine

268-year-old Obando Church in Bulacan named PH's new national shrine

Published Mar 30, 2022 08:48 am

San Pascual Baylon Parish, the 268-year-old Catholic church in Obando, Bulacan has been declared as the National Shrine of Nuestra Señora de la Inmaculada Concepcion de Salambao.

The Obando Church in the coastal town of Bulacan was formally declared as the National Shrine of Nuestra Señora de la Inmaculada Concepcion de Salambao last Friday, March 25, 2022. (Photo courtesy of Christian Belolo)

Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila, in his homily, said the bishops of the Philippines have collectively recognized the depth and strength of their faith in God, as well as the rich history of their intense devotion to Our Lady and the saints

It was learned that last January during their plenary assembly, the bishops approved a petition to declare the church as a national shrine. Among those who attended the celebration were Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara, vice president of the episcopal conference, and Malolos Bishop Dennis Villarojo.

The cardinal exhorted the devotees to imitate Mary “in reflecting God’s enduring presence.”

“Let us accompany our brothers and sisters in their pain and poverty through our acts of charity and solidarity,” Advincula said.

In the month of May, the province of Bulacan will celebrate two of the most popular festivals in the country -- the kneeling Carabaos in Pulilan (May 14-15) and the Fertility Rites of Obando (May 17 to 19).

The Kneeling Carabao festival is celebrated on the feast day of San Isidro Labrador, the farmers' patron saint, while the annual Fertility rites in Obando are celebrated in honor of patrons San Pascual, Baylon, Sta Clara, and Nuestra Senor De Salambao.

During the Fertility festival rites in Obando, childless couples, maidens, and bachelors looking for their partners, grateful parents, farmers, and fishermen dance on the streets to pray for children and a good harvest.

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