The Saint Joseph Parish church in the town of Baras in Rizal province, east of Manila, has been declared a diocesan shrine by Bishop Francisco de Leon of Antipolo.
The 17th-century church has been dedicated to Saint Joseph and has been a pilgrimage site as the Catholic Church marks the Year of Saint Joseph.
The decree, dated June 30, was announced during Sunday Mass, said a report from CBCP News.
Parish priest Rodney Cruz said the church of Baras town is one of the most well-kept heritage churches in the province.
He said the church’s new status is “truly a blessing” for the parish as it celebrates 100 years of Baras’ independence as a town.
Father Cruz said Baras has been the oldest parish dedicated to Saint Jospeh in the Southern Tagalog mainland since its foundation in 1686.
The parish “has continued to be a community wherein many traditions abound, making it a unique place of prayer with celebrations in honor of Saint Joseph,” said the priest.
At present, there are eight shrines dedicated to Saint Joseph in the Philippines. – from a CBCP News report
