With the recent elevation of the Quiapo Church into a national shrine, the Philippines now has a total of 29 national shrines spread across the country.
Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz (Facebook)
Pilgrims and tourists traditionally visit these religious treasures for their historical, cultural and spiritual significance.
Aside from the Quiapo Church in Manila, the 28 other national shrines in the country are as follows: Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Antipolo which has been named as an international shrine; the National Shrine of St. John Paul II in Balanga, Bataan; the National Shrine of La Virgin Divina Pastora in Gapan, Nuevo Elija; and the Basilica of Our Lady of Penafrancia in Naga City, Camarines Sur.
Also in the list are the National Shrine of Nuestra Senora Virgin de la Regla in Lapu Lapu and the National Shrine of St. Joseph in Mandaue both in Cebu; the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes and the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary La Naval de Manila all in Quezon City.
The country’s other national shrines also include the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Visitation in Guibang, Isabela; the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in Silang, Cavite; the National Shrine of San Antonio de Padua in Pila, Laguna; the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Elizabeth of Hungary in Iloilo City; the National Shrine of St. Padre Pio in Sto. Tomas, Batangas; and the National Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows in Dolores, Quezon.
The national shrines in Bulacan include the National Shrine of Divine Mercy in Marilao, the National Shrine of Nuestra Senora de Salambao in Obando and the National Shrine of St. Anne in Hagonoy.
Completing the list are the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Valenzuela; the Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz in Binondo; the National Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart both in Makati; the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Abandoned, the National Shrine of St. Jude, and the National Shrine of St. Michael and the Archangels all in Manila; the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians and the National Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help both in Parañaque City and the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Muntinlupa City.
According to the CBCP, a national shrine is a Catholic church or other sacred place which has met certain requirements and is given this honor by the national episcopal conference to recognize the church’s special historical, cultural and religious significance.