Archdiocese of Davao Shrines Assembly Highlights Role of Shrines in New Evangelization

DAVAO CITY — Rectors and representatives of the Archdiocesan shrines of Davao gathered for the Archdiocese of Davao Shrines Assembly on September 12, 2026, at the Santa Ana Shrine Parish, strengthening communion and reflecting on the role of shrines in the mission of the Church.

The assembly brought together representatives from Santa Ana Shrine Parish, St. Jude Shrine Parish, St. Mary of the Perpetual Rosary Parish, St. Joseph the Worker Parish, San Vicente Ferrer Shrine in Mulig (under Virgen de los Remedios Parish), Toril, Holy Infant of Jesus Shrine in Hills, Matina, and Divine Mercy Shrine in Samal.

The gathering began with registration, animation, and an opening prayer, followed by welcome remarks from Sr. Marielle Saga, OSB. The main orientation was facilitated by Dr. Kendrick Ivan B. Panganiban, Lay-Secretary and Chair for Research and Documentation of the Association of Catholic Shrines and Pilgrimages of the Philippines (ACSP).

Panganiban presented the background and basic understanding of a shrine, including its definition under the 1983 Code of Canon Law as a sacred place where the faithful make pilgrimages for a special reason of piety with the approval of the local ordinary. He also discussed the development of the theology and ministry of shrines in relation to liturgy, pastoral care, culture, and the New Evangelization.

From left to right: Sta. Ana Shrine Parish (Sta. Ana Avenue), Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Shrine (Buhangin), St. Jude Thaddeus Shrine Parish (Gen. Malvar St.), and Sr. San Vicente Ferrer Shrine (Mulig, Toril).

Central to the orientation were the seven aspects of shrines in the New Evangelization: the shrine as a Center of Worship, Proclamation, Devotion, Catechesis, Charitable Work, Spiritual Ecumenism, and Culture.

The presentation emphasized that shrines are not only places of prayer and popular devotion but also spaces for the celebration of the Eucharist and Reconciliation, proclamation of the Word, Christian formation, and social communication. Shrines likewise have a role in nurturing popular piety, providing catechesis and ministry for pilgrims, responding to people in need through charitable work, fostering spiritual ecumenism, and preserving cultural and religious heritage.

The orientation further highlighted the need to strengthen the evangelizing role of shrines and develop their pastoral ministry as instruments of the New Evangelization. Among the challenges presented were the promotion of popular piety, collaboration among shrines, and the preservation and enhancement of their cultural and artistic heritage.

Following the orientation, certificates of membership and participation were awarded. Santa Ana Shrine Parish, St. Jude Shrine Parish, St. Mary of the Perpetual Rosary Parish, and San Vicente Ferrer Shrine received their Certificates of Membership to the Association of Catholic Shrines and Pilgrimages of the Philippines, formally conferred by Panganiban during the assembly.

The gathering concluded with words of thanks, followed by lunch and fellowship among the participating communities. Through the assembly, the Archdiocesan shrines were given an opportunity to deepen their understanding of shrine ministry and strengthen their shared commitment to becoming places of worship, formation, service, and encounter with Christ in the continuing mission of the Church.