SVPP elevated as archdiocesan shrine; Manila prelate blesses renovated altar, church
Date Posted: July 17, 2023 at 03:42 PM
San Vicente de Paul Parish can now be officially called the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal as the recognition was made official in a solemn eucharistic celebration presided by Manila Archbishop, Jose F. Cardinal Advincula last July 16 in San Marcelino.
Parishioners and devotees flocked to the newly renovated and repainted church to witness the momentous occasion and the formal unveiling and dedication of SVPP’s new altar retablo.
The SVPP church recently underwent a facelift and was retrofitted with anti-earthquake devices, making it the first earthquake-proof church in the Philippines.
In his homily, Cardinal Advincula reminded the community of the true meaning of church, namely the people who praise inside the structure.
"Kasaganahan ng buhay at pagkakaisa-ang mga ito ay tanda ng kabanalan. Ito ang mga banal na biyayang pinaglaban Ni Hesus nang dalisayin Niya ang mga templo. Ito ang mga banal na biyayang kinamtam ni Hesus sa Kanyang sakripisyo sa krus,” the Manila prelate said.
“Tayo ngayon ang kumakatawan at nagpapatuloy ng Kanyang misyon para sa kasaganahan ng buhay at pagkakaisa ng tanan."
The unveiling of the altar headed by its major benefactors, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna – Pangan, the Quirino Family, Ar. Roy de Guzman and Cardinal Advincula kickstarted the festivities, which was followed by the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
During the mass, the church was formally declared as Archdiocesan Shrine, before the congregation was blessed with holy water and the altar was prepared.
Fr. Joel Rescober, CM was then installed as SVP-ASOLMM Rector and Parish Priest. The blessing of the retablo mayor then followed, along with the presentation of its marker and the certificate of membership to the Association of Catholic Shrines and Pilgrimages of the Philippines.
Fr. Rescober had nothing but gratitude to everyone who helped him and the community throughout the project, recalling the journey from its inception, through the pandemic and the day that everyone had waited for.
“God’s Providence never fails in its design. Trust unceasingly for grace has its own time,” he said.
Among those present in the event include Lingayen Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara of the Diocese of Pasig, Bishop Roberto Gaa of the Diocese of Novaliches and Bishop Teodoro Bacani, Bishop Emeritus of Novaliches.
Congregation of the Mission Vicar General Fr. Gregorio Banaga, CM and CM Philippines Provincial Visitor Fr. Peter Solis, CM also graced the event, as well as clergy from different dioceses.
