For the first time in the Philippines, a Josephian image will be honored with episcopal coronation.
Bishop Jesse Mercado of Parañaque approved the coronation of the centuries-old statue venerated at the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Joseph in Las Piñas City.
Monsignor Roberto “Bobby” Olaguer, the parish priest, made the announcement during Mass to celebrate the parish’s 225th anniversary on November 5.
According to him, the crowning is “a recognition of the people’s sincere devotion to St. Joseph.”
“This honor is a unique gift to our community because this is the first episcopal coronation granted to the image of St. Joseph in the Philippines,” said Monsignor Olaguer.
The Mass presided over by Bishop Mercado also opened the Jubilee Year celebration in the parish.
The baroque-inspired stone church of St. Joseph is also famous for its 19th-century bamboo organ.
Bishop Mercado elevated the church to a diocesan shrine status on Feb. 13, 2020.
The parish is yet to announce the details, including the date, of the episcopal crowning.
