Philippine bishops approve three new national shrines

Light of Truth

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has designated three churches as national shrines, says a report. The Mary Queen of Peace Shrine, popularly known as the EDSA Shrine, the Our Lady of Loreto Shrine, both in the Manila Archdio-cese, and the Shrine of Our Lady of Aranzazu, from the Diocese of Antipolo, were elevated to the status of national shrines. The bishops’ announcement came on the first day of their plenary assembly, CBCP News reported on Jan. 26. Some 70 bishops from across the country are attending Jan. 25-27 meeting. With the latest approvals, the Philippines has 33 national shrines.
The Catholic Church recognizes national shrines for their historical, spiritual, or cultural significance. Shrines are often linked to popular devotion, significant religious events, miracles, or apparitions. Before receiving the status of a national shrine, a church must first be designated as a diocesan shrine by the local bishop or archbishop. This requires the church to be a pilgrimage site for a specific piety, offering superior worship, Christian formation, and social services. Once these conditions are met, the parish can petition for canonical elevation.
Diocesan shrines can petition the national bishops’ conference for recognition as national shrines when devotion grows. The newly elevated shrines have a history, making them a hub of Catholic devotion in their locations.

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