The parish church of St. Paschal Baylon, built in the year 1754, became one of 27 parish temples in the country to receive this title.
Philippines – Bulacan (03/30/2022 14:52, Gaudium Press) Last Friday the 25th, before numerous faithful, the parish church of St. Paschal Baylon, located in Obando City, Bulacan province, was elevated to the dignity of National Shrine.
The Catholic temple, built in the year 1754, is now one of 27 parish churches in the country with the title of National Shrine. In its interior, this church houses the venerated image of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception of Salambao.
Recognition of popular devotion
The solemn ceremony that made official the elevation of the new Philippine National Shrine was presided over by the Archbishop of Manila, Cardinal Jose Advincula. Over many centuries, thousands of devotees from different parts of the world have flocked to the shrine to ask for Our Lady’s intercession.
In his homily, the Cardinal highlighted this fact, saying that “The Bishops of the Philippines have collectively recognized the depth and strength of the Faith in God demonstrated by these devotees throughout the history of this particular church, as well as the rich history of their intense devotion to Our Lady and the Saints.
Fourth National Shrine of the Diocese
The cardinal invited the faithful present to imitate Our Lady “by reflecting the enduring presence of God.” He also urged them to accompany “our brothers and sisters in their pain and poverty through our acts of charity and solidarity.”
The petition to declare the church a national shrine was approved in January this year, 2022, during a plenary assembly of the Philippine Bishops. The Church of Obando, known for its annual fertility festival rites, is also the fourth National Shrine of the Diocese of Malolos. (EPC)
Compiled by Teresa Joseph
