SW News: In the Philippines, Catholics belonging to the Archdiocese of Manila, which encompasses the capital, are rejoicing as two parish churches have been elevated to the rank of archdiocesan shrines. The declaration was made by Cardinal Jose Advincula last week.

The parochial church of Nuestra Senora del Perpetuo Socorro (Our Lady of Perpetual Succour) in Sampaloc and San Vicente de Paul (St Vincent de Paul) Church in Ermita were declared as archdiocesan shrines. In his decree, the cardinal announced that the church on San Marcelino Street in Ermita will be known as the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. “On the Feast of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, we received a gift,” the parish announced in a statement. “We give thanks to the Lord for this blessing.”

On the other hand, the parish church in Sampaloc’s Calamba corner Instruccion Streets will henceforth be known as the Archdiocesan Shrine of Nuestra Senora del Perpetuo Socorro. Although the decree was dated November 2, it was only on the 27th that it was made public by the Archdiocese of Manila.

For churches to be awarded the title of archdiocesan shrine, they have to be places of popular devotion or pilgrimage or places of worship having a glorious history. Once these criteria are met, then the parish can petition the local ordinary to grant canonical recognition as an archdiocesan shrine. On the other hand, the episcopal conference of the country  has to give its approval for the declaration of a particular church as a national shrine.

The Archdiocese of Manila had 3.2 million Catholics as of 2016 and they are spread across 85 parishes. The believers are served by 245 diocesan clergymen and 342 religious priests. The archdiocese also enjoys the service of 730 nuns and 180 religious brothers. There are also more than 400 lay catechists to serve the local Church.