Antipolo church declared national shrine

MANILA, Philippines — Cardinal Jose Advincula on Monday led a mass formally declaring the St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish in Antipolo City as a national shrine.

The church is known as a refuge of hope for pilgrims seeking comfort and renewal.

In his homily, Advincula said the recognition “is not only an honor and a title, but a responsibility and a commitment.”

He said the church has been a spiritual home for families, pilgrims and people seeking intercession and guidance.

“This sanctuary, now elevated as a national shrine, is meant to be such a place: a place of joy where the weary, troubled or burdened by life’s trials can come to rest in Him,” Advincula said.

He noted that the shrine was named after a saint who taught believers to approach God with empty hands and trust divine mercy.

Advincula said such trust invites believers into a deeper awareness that God delights in people despite human weakness and limitations.

The mass was attended by 10 bishops including Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines president and Lipa Archbishop Gilbert Garcera.