OFFICIAL DECLARATION OF OUR LADY OF LORETO AS A NATIONAL SHRINE

 

The Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Loreto in Sampaloc, Manila, was officially declared a National Shrine on May 31, 2025, by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines. The solemn declaration was presided over by Jose F. Cardinal Advincula on the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, marking a historic milestone for this 412-year-old parish community.

Founded by the Franciscans in 1613, the church has long been a center of devotion to Our Lady of Loreto and the Holy Family. Though destroyed during World War II, it was rebuilt in 1958 and continues to stand as a place of refuge and prayer, especially for students, teachers, and those seeking protection from fires and other calamities.

Notably, it is the only parish in the Philippines dedicated to Our Lady of Loreto. Prior to its elevation as a National Shrine, it was declared in March 2025 an Aggregate Church (Twin Church) of the Pontifical Sanctuary of the Holy House of Loreto in Italy, strengthening its spiritual bond with the historic Marian sanctuary.

The decree of elevation, announced earlier in 2025 and signed by the CBCP, recognizes the shrine’s profound historical roots and enduring spiritual significance to the Filipino faithful—formally affirming what generations of devotees have long known: that this church is truly a sacred home in the heart of Manila.

The new retablo of the Our Lady of Loreto. 

Reading the Decree of Erection of the Our Lady of Loreto as a National Shrine. 

Sponsors and benefactors pinning ex votos beside the image of the Our Lady of Loreto