(Photo courtesy of Quiapo Church Facebook page)
MANILA – Several churches on Monday expressed well wishes on the elevation of the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Black Nazarene, or Quiapo Church, to a national shrine.
These churches include the Manila Cathedral, Antipolo Cathedral, the Sto. Niño de Pandacan Parish and the Shrine of Jesus in the Holy Sepulchre or the Sto. Sepulcro Parish.
“The whole Manila Cathedral community wishes to congratulate the Minor Basilica of the Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno on its elevation as a National Shrine by the CBCP. Mabuhay ang mga kaparian, layko at mga deboto ng Simbahan ng Quiapo (Long live the clergy, lay leaders and the devotees of the Quiapo Church),” it noted.
Meanwhile, the Antipolo Cathedral extended its congratulations to the Quiapo Church following the approval of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines' (CBCP) petition for its elevation to the status of a national shrine.
“The expression of love, thanksgiving, and honor by the devotees of the Black Nazarene has been a testament to the unwavering faith of the Catholic faithful in the country. Hence, the Black Nazarene and the Our Lady of Antipolo are considered one of the most revered and celebrated images in the Philippines. We are united in prayer and jubilation for this magnificent feat the Quiapo Church has achieved,” it added.
Meanwhile, the Sto. Niño de Pandacan Parish said it is one with the Quiapo Church in pushing for the propagation of devotion to the Black Nazarene.
“On behalf of the entire community of the Parish of Santo Niño de Pandacan, we welcome those devotees of the Blessed Lord Jesus Nazarene in the appointment of Quiapo Church as a “National Shrine” by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines. This declaration took place at the 126th Plenary Assembly of the CBCP in Kalibo, Aklan. Our parish shares with you victory and in the continuous propagation of devotion to Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno,” it added.
The Sto. Sepulcro Parish in Laguna also welcomed the CBCP's move.
“Congratulations to the Minor Basilica of Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno (Quiapo Church) on its elevation as a National Shrine by the CBCP,” it added.
On the other hand, the Quiapo Church said it will be forever honored with its current achievement.
"Everything is a blessing from God! Eternal gratitude from the community of Quiapo and the Devotees of the Lord Jesus Nazarene and to all members of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines for declaring the Basilica Minor and Archdiocesan Shrine of the Black Nazarene as a National Heritage. Viva, Poong Hesus Nazareno! (Long live, Lord Jesus of Nazarene!),” it said in a Facebook post.
On Sunday, the CBCP approved the elevation of the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Black Nazarene, or Quiapo Church, to national shrine status.
During the CBCP's 126th plenary assembly in Kalibo town, Aklan province, the bishops approved a petition to declare the church, located in the heart of Manila, as the country’s 29th national shrine.
In granting the petition of Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula, the Conference bestowed upon Quiapo Church the title of “National Shrine of the Black Nazarene.”
On May 10, Advincula elevated the church to the status of an archdiocesan shrine.
It was in 1987 when St. John Paul II elevated the church to the status of the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene.
During its feast every January 9, millions of devotees visit the shrine located along Quezon Blvd., Manila.
The annual "Traslacion" or procession is also one of the most attended celebrations in the country. (PNA)
