Edward Mico Joseph Agustin

The Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Aranzazu in San Mateo, Rizal has been officially elevated as a National Shrine on Friday, August 22.

Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, the Pro-Prefect for the Dicastery of Evangelization and Cardinal Bishop of Albano, led the solemn declaration

Article (news)

Our Lady of Aranzazu Church in San Mateo, Rizal officially elevated as a National Shrine

Jervis Manahan

ABS-CBN News

The Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Aranzazu in San Mateo, Rizal was officially elevated as a National Shrine on Friday, August 22.Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, the Pro-Prefect for the Dicastery of Evangelization and Cardinal Bishop of Albano, led the solemn declaration.&quot;This is a testament to faith, devotion especially to our Lady, and to mission. Itong biyayang ito ay may kasamang misyon na ipahayag sa salita at sa gawa ang mensahe ng compassion at pagdamay ng ating Mahal na Ina,&quot; Tagle said in a rare chance interview on the sidelines of the occasion.(This blessing comes with a mission to embody the compassion and care of Virgin Mary both in our words and deeds.)The elevation of the church as a National Shrine affirms its role as a center of faith, devotion, and pilgrimage.Thousands of pilgrims flocked to witness the occasion, which was attended by government officials of Rizal and the clergy of the Diocese of Antipolo.The San Mateo Shrine is the first diocesan shrine of the diocese. It has received Episcopal Coronation in 2013, and Pontifical Coronation in 2017.Devotion to Our Lady of Aranzazu originated in the Basilica of Our Lady of Aranzazu in Oñate, Spain and later spread in San Mateo, Rizal in 1705 with the construction of their stone church.<div>TAGLE BACK IN PH</div>Cardinal Tagle said that he went back home for a special celebration with his family.&quot;Kaya ako umuwi nitong buwan na ito ay dahil sa wedding anniversary ng magulang ko, 69th anniversary, syempre kasama na rin ang pagbisita sa pamilya ang pagbisita sa iba&#x27;t ibang lugar,&quot; he said.(I went home this month to celebrate the 69th anniversary of my parents, and I will also be visiting some places.)&quot;It&#x27;s always good to be home at di naman talaga mapuputol ang koneksyon kahit nasaan tayo,&quot; he added.(Our connection with home will never be cut even if we&#x27;re far away.)Tagle is based in the Vatican, and he recently participated in the Conclave which elected now Pope Leo XIV.Asked about his thoughts about the current issues in the country, such as floods and online gambling, Tagle says he is bothered with what is happening in the world.&quot;Those are important not just for the church but also for the citizens, hindi naman pinipili ng baha ang iyong pananampalataya. Kaya this is a common concern for the common good,&quot; he said.(The flood does not choose faith. This is a common concern for the common good.)&quot;What bothers me is yung mga problema natin sa Pilipinas, problema rin sa ibang bahagi ng mundo kaya mukang may nangyayari internationally. Doon nakakabahala, bakit nagiging trend universally ang hindi magaganda at nakakapinsala sa kapwa,&quot; he added.(Our problems here in the Philippines are also problems in different parts of the world. That is bothersome, why bad things are becoming a trend.)&quot;Kung yan ay iaaddress sa Pilipinas salamat at maging halimbawa at liwanag sana sa humaharap din sa ganito,&quot; he ended.(If the Philippines will address those issues, I hope we will be an example and light to others facing similar situations.)<div> </div><div><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/M4Bo4CNSH7o??si=08P3sbJFqmWdkmrB&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> </div>

The Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Aranzazu in San Mateo, Rizal was officially elevated as a National Shrine on Friday, August 22.

The Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Aranzazu in San Mateo, Rizal was officially elevated as a National Shrine on Friday, August 22.