The Diocese of Malolos in Bulacan has declared the Sta. Rita de Cascia Parish Church in the town of Guiguinto as a diocesan shrine.
Sta. Rita de Cascia Parish and Diocesan Shrine (Facebook)
The announcement was made during a devotional mass in honor of Sta. Rita at the church on June 22, said a CBCP News post.
The decree of recognition issued by Malolos Bishop Dennis C. Villarojo was read during the mass before it was handed over to parish priest Fr. Norman Baldoz.
Fr. Baldoz led the petition for the declaration of their parish church as a diocesan shrine.
“Let us promote the devotion to Sta. Rita de Cascia. From the depths of our hearts, we fervently pray and have hope because those who hope believe in miracles,” Fr. Baldoz said.
Fr. Christian Kim Mariano, head of the Diocese of Malolos Shrines Committee, encouraged the faithful to spread their devotion, especially to those “who need to hear the assurance that God is working miracles through Sta. Rita. In an age of selfish wants, shrines are examples of genuine sharing,” he said.
Founded in 1994, the parish will become the ninth diocesan shrine of Malolos, which also has four national shrines.
The Guiguinto Church is also the country’s second shrine dedicated to the Italian saint. The other one is located in Sibalom town, under the Diocese of San Jose de Antique.