Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 9) — Quiapo Church is now the National Shrine of the Black Nazarene with the blessing of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
The CBCP announced on Sunday it has elevated the church canonically known as the Saint John the Baptist Parish from its archdiocesan shrine status during the bishops’ 126th plenary assembly in Kalibo, Aklan.
“For many years, the home of the centuries-old and revered image of the Black Nazarene has served as a prominent landmark for pilgrims from all corners of the country,” the CBCP said in a statement.
Located in the heart of Manila, Quiapo Church has become a place of worship for Filipinos since the “traslacion” or movement of the image from Intramuros to Quiapo began in 1787, according to the CBCP.
“What was once a parochial feast held every January 9 has also now extended its reach and is celebrated by devotees in various parts of the country and even abroad,” the CBCP added.
On May 10, Quiapo Church received its archdiocesan shrine status.
In 1987, Pope John Paul II granted its recognition as the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene for its cultural impact on the religious practices of Filipinos.
