Archbishop Jose Palma of Cebu has approved the episcopal coronation of the “oldest venerated image of St. Joseph in the Philippines.”
The announcement was made Monday by the National Shrine of St. Joseph in Mandaue City, where the 17th century image is enshrined.
The crowning is “a manifestation and thanksgiving for all the wonders that our Spiritual Father, the Patrocinio de San Jose de Mandaue has interceded for us throughout the years,” read the announcement.
The event will be held on August 8 during Mass to be led by Archbishop Palma and Auxiliary Bishop Midyphil Billones, the national shrine’s rector.
The Catholic Church marks this year as the “Year of St. Joseph” and the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines.
The occasion will also highlight the 20th anniversary of the national shrine in the Archdiocese of Cebu.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines elevated the church as a national shrine on Aug. 6, 2001, the first in the Visayas region.
In May, the shrine also served as the center of the celebration for the National Consecration to St. Joseph.
