The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) officially designated three churches as national shrines on Saturday, Jan. 25.
The Archdiocesan Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace (EDSA Shrine) and the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Loreto, both located in the Archdiocese of Manila, were granted national shrine status.
The Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Aranzazu in Rizal province has also received this recognition.
The decisions were made during the CBCP’s plenary assembly, which kicked off in Santa Rosa, Laguna, with more than 70 bishops in attendance. The assembly will conclude on Monday, Jan. 27.
The EDSA Shrine, built in 1989, is known for its role in the 1986 People Power Revolution. It was also a focal point in the 2001 protest that led to the removal of former President Joseph Estrada.
Meanwhile, the Loreto Church in Sampaloc houses the revered image of the Virgin Mary as Our Lady of Loreto, making it the country’s only parish dedicated to this Marian title.
The Aranzazu Shrine in San Mateo, Rizal, has a long history dating back to 1596 when the Augustinians first settled in the area. In 1659, a parish was established in honor of St. Matthew, and by 1705, the shrine became dedicated to Our Lady of Aranzazu, following a devotion started by a Jesuit priest.
A national shrine is a site of particular religious, historical, or cultural importance. It is often tied to a deep local devotion or significant events in Catholic history.
Such shrines are intended to foster the faith through exemplary liturgical practices, pastoral care, and a strong ministry to the faithful.
For a church to be designated as a national shrine, the CBCP said it must first be recognized as a diocesan shrine by the local bishop or archbishop.
This designation requires the church to be a place of pilgrimage, offering exceptional worship, Christian education, and social services.
Once these criteria are met, a shrine may petition for elevation, and if the devotion continues to grow, the CBCP can grant national recognition.