Bishop Reynaldo Evangelista of Imus has elevated the Our Lady of the Pillar Cathedral to a diocesan shrine status.
For many years, the church has been a renowned landmark for pilgrims from different provinces.
Located at the heart of Imus City, the church was built mainly with stone and bricks in the 1820s.
The rite of declaration will be held on December 3, the 8th anniversary of the canonical coronation of the miraculous image of Our Lady of Pillar, patroness of the Imus diocese.
To be a diocesan shrine, a church must be a place of historical significance, prayer and pilgrimage for a special reason of piety.
It must also exceed other churches in terms of worship, Christian formation, and social services.
When these requirements are met, the parish petitions the bishop to canonically elevate the church.
And for a church to be called a national shrine, the conference of bishops must give its approval.
