Cardinal Tagle urges Filipino Catholics to confront societal ‘thorns’

A cardinal has urged Filipino Catholics to confront the “thorns” of society — including environmental destruction and corruption — through faith and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Speaking during the declaration of the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Aranzazu in Santa Mateo, Rizal as a national shrine on Aug. 22, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, cited today’s social issues as a source of widespread suffering.

“The earth has become like thorns because of human neglect,” Tagle said in his homily, pointing to environmental destruction, irresponsible use of natural resources, and corruption as pressing concerns.

“When responsibility is lost and greed prevails, the land, seas, and nature are destroyed. Our work is affected, and society suffers. Yet we must not lose hope, for our Blessed Mother is with us,” he added.

Bishop Ruperto Santos of Antipolo, who concelebrated the Mass, reminded the faithful that being named a national shrine is not just an honor, but a call to deepen devotion and service.

“This is a blessing we must care for. A National Shrine is not just a beautiful church but a spiritual beacon. It must be a place of refuge, healing, and encounter with the Lord and our Blessed Mother,” Santos said.

He challenged the faithful to live out this mission by making the shrine “a place of prayer, where the poor are welcomed, families are strengthened, and vocations are nurtured.”

The parish of San Mateo was founded by Augustinian missionaries in 1596. Devotion to Our Lady of Aranzazu began in 1716 through Jesuit priest Juan Echazabal, and has since become the patronal devotion of northern Rizal, particularly San Mateo and Rodriguez (formerly Montalban).

In January 2025, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines approved the petition to designate the church as a national shrine.

The declaration ceremony was attended by several bishops and clergy, including Bishop Euginus Cañete of Gumaca and Archbishop Marlo Peralta of Nueva Segovia. (Norman Dequia/Catholic News Agency)