The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) designated three churches as national shrines.
Namely, these are the Archdiocesan Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace or Edsa Shrine and the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Loreto — both in the Archdiocese of Manila — and the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Aranzazu in the Diocese of Antipolo.
A national shrine is a sacred site recognized by the Catholic Church for its historical, spiritual, or cultural significance, often linked to popular devotion, significant religious events, miracles, or apparitions. It is also designated to promote the faith through exemplary liturgical celebrations, pastoral care, and dedicated ministry to the faithful.
The Edsa Shrine, built in 1989, commemorates the Feb. 25, 1986 People Power Revolution. It was also the site of the 2001 demonstration that led to the ouster of former President Joseph Estrada.
Meanwhile, the Loreto Church in Sampaloc district houses the centuries-old image of the Virgin Mary as Our Lady of Loreto. It is currently the only parish in the country dedicated to this Marian title.
The Aranzazu Shrine in San Mateo, Rizal, has a rich history dating back to 1596 when Augustinian friars established the first settlements in the area.
In 1659, a parish was built in honor of St. Matthew, the apostle and evangelist. However, after the Jesuits took control in 1696, the patronage was shifted to Our Lady of Aranzazu, following a devotion started by a Jesuit priest in 1705.
The Loreto Shrine, originally built by the Franciscans in 1613, was destroyed during the Battle of Manila and later restored in 1958.
To receive the status of a national shrine, a church must first be designated as a diocesan shrine by the local bishop or archbishop.
This requires the church to be a pilgrimage site for a specific piety, offering superior worship, Christian formation, and social services. Once these conditions are met, the parish can petition for canonical elevation.