Philippine shrine association marks 35 years of evangelization

The Association of Catholic Shrines and Pilgrimages of the Philippines (ACSP) marked its 35th anniversary on October 22, 2026, at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Puerto Princesa City. During a Mass celebrating the milestone, Bishop Socrates Mesiona, CBCP-ECMI chairman, led the oath-taking for the association's national executive officers.

Archbishop Rino Fisichella, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization’s Section for New Evangelization, sent a message to the association stating that shrines serve as places where the faithful recognize God's presence and historical works. He noted that the mission of the ACSP is to help people rediscover God's love through their personal stories.

Archbishop Gilbert Garcera, CBCP president, said shrines should function as more than monuments or heritage sites. He described them as places for hearing the Gospel, celebrating the Eucharist, and experiencing reconciliation. Garcera encouraged shrine leaders to turn pilgrimages into opportunities for service by prompting devotees to help those who suffer and are forgotten.