EDSA Shrine, 2 other sites granted National Shrine status

MANILA, Philippines — The Archdiocesan Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace (EDSA Shrine), Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Loreto and the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Aranzazu have been elevated to the status of national shrine.

CBCPNews reported that the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, during its 129th plenary assembly on Jan. 25, voted to designate the three churches as national shrines.

Both the EDSA Shrine and the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Loreto are under the Archdiocese of Manila. The Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Aranzazu is under the Diocese of Antipolo.

More than 70 bishops are attending a three-day assembly in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, which is set to end today.

The EDSA Shrine, built in 1989, commemorates the Feb. 25, 1986 people power revolution. It was also the site of the 2001 demonstration that led to the ouster of former president Joseph Estrada.

The Loreto Church in Sampaloc district houses the centuries-old image of the Virgin Mary as Our Lady of Loreto. It is currently the only parish in the country dedicated to this Marian title.

The Aranzazu Shrine in San Mateo, Rizal, meanwhile has a rich history dating back to 1596, when Augustinian friars established the first settlements in the area.

The CBCPNews explained that a national shrine is a sacred site recognized by the Catholic Church for its historical, spiritual, or cultural significance, often linked to popular devotion, significant religious events, miracles, or apparitions.

It is also designated to promote the faith through exemplary liturgical celebrations, pastoral care, and dedicated ministry to the faithful.

To become 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.

If devotion grows, the diocesan shrine may then petition the national conference of Catholic bishops for recognition. In the Philippines, the CBCP oversees the requirements for national shrines.