WITH its title as Minor Basilica and National Shrine of the Black Nazarene now official, the head of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) believes the title of “international shrine” will be bestowed upon the Quiapo Church soon.
In his statement during the Solemn Ceremony for the Declaration as a National Shrine, CBCP President Bishop Pablo David yesterday said he is confident the Quiapo Church will be given the title “international shrine” by the Vatican soon.
“I will not be surprised if, in a few years, this national shrine will be declared as an international shrine. If you’d like that to happen, let us pray for that,” said David.
He said this is because the devotion to the Black Nazarene, especially during its annual “Traslacion,” has caught the attention of the global community.
Data released by the Quiapo Church showed that a total of 6.1 million devotees attended the activities at the Quiapo Church, Quirino Grandstand and joined the procession last January 9.
“The whole world is very amazed over the Traslacion and how it can be successfully held despite having four to six million devotees participating,” said David.
On May 10, 2023, Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula granted Quiapo Church the title of “Archdiocesan Shrine of the Black Nazarene.”
In July 2023, members of the CBCP gathered for the 126th Plenary Assembly, wherein they approved the petition to declare the Quiapo Church as a “national shrine.”
According to Quiapo Church Rector Fr. Jun Sescon, he thinks that the religious institution has long been a “national shrine.”
“This church has become holy ground ever since the Nazareno came here. This is truly a shrine because of the fervent faith of the devotees and overflowing grace and mercy from the Lord,” said the priest.
“The petition of our dear Archbishop, Cardinal Advincula, and the approval of our beloved bishops are but an affirmation of this spiritually rich reality,” added Sescon.
Around 70 members of the CBCP as well as Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles John Brown attended the Solemn Ceremony at the Quiapo Church.
