Mambusao, Capiz, Philippines - The historic St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish in Mambusao, Capiz, one of the Philippines' oldest Spanish-era churches, has been declared an archdiocesan shrine by the Archdiocese of Capiz.
According to Philippines News Agency, Capiz Archbishop Victor Bendico announced the designation in a decree made public on Thursday, recognizing the parish church's significant role in the community since its establishment in 1606. The decree, which responds to the petition of the parish priest, Rev. Jose Arturo Emilio O. Arbatin, and the parish community, acknowledges the merits of this petition and grants the church the title of the Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Catherine of Alexandria. With its new status, the church is now entitled to all rights and privileges as outlined in Church laws. According to Canon law, the local ordinary approves the statutes of a diocesan or archdiocesan shrine. A shrine typically attracts numerous faithful for special reasons of piety and offers abundant means of salvation through the diligent proclamation of the word of God, promotion of liturgical life, and celebration of the Eucharist and penance. The decree emphasizes the importance of cultivating popular forms of piety and expects votive offerings of popular art to be displayed and securely guarded near the shrine.