CBCP Grants St. Therese Parish National Shrine Status
MANILA, Philippines — The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) officially elevated St. Therese Parish in Antipolo, Rizal, to national shrine status. This recognition highlights the parish’s growing importance as a spiritual and pilgrimage site.
According to sources, the CBCP approved the elevation during their three-day plenary assembly, following the Antipolo Diocese’s petition. The move acknowledges the parish’s deep spiritual connection and significance to the faithful.
A New Chapter for St. Therese Parish
Bishop Ruperto Santos of Antipolo expressed hope that the new national shrine status will open a fresh chapter for the community. He said it will invite pilgrims and souls alike to experience Christ through the virtues of simplicity, humility, and burning love that characterized St. Therese’s life.
“This is not merely an honor—it is a divine affirmation of Saint Therese’s gentle and powerful presence among us, and a call to embrace her little way of love,” the bishop shared, as reported by local church sources.
Significance of National Shrine Status
St. Therese Parish is now the second church in the Antipolo Diocese to be granted national shrine status. It joins the Shrine of Our Lady of Aranzazu in San Mateo, Rizal. Additionally, the diocese hosts the country’s only international shrine through the Antipolo Cathedral.
Church authorities explained that a national shrine is recognized for its historical, spiritual, or cultural importance. Such sites often become popular pilgrimage destinations, especially when linked to miracles, apparitions, or longstanding devotion.
Pathway to Shrine Recognition
Before attaining national shrine status, a church must first be designated as a diocesan shrine by its local bishop. This requires a strong record of public worship, faith formation, and social outreach. St. Therese Parish earned this diocesan shrine status on September 1, 2011, under Bishop Gabriel Reyes.
Once these qualifications are met, a parish can petition the national bishops’ conference for elevation. The CBCP manages the approval process for such recognitions across the country.
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