THE NATIONAL SHRINE OF ST. JUDE, MANILA

One national shrine that had long been “near yet far” for me was the National Shrine of Saint Jude Thaddeus, which I had passed many times but never truly visited. When the bishops’ January meeting was scheduled in Manila, we decided to celebrate the daily Masses outside the Pius XII Catholic Center, giving the bishops an opportunity to pray in nearby national shrines. St. Jude was among those chosen, and the Shrine Rector, Rev. Fr. Alex G. Vitualla, SVD, warmly welcomed the plan—including hosting dinner for the bishops afterward. An ocular visit to inspect the church and its facilities finally gave me the opportunity to step inside.

Located along J.P. Laurel Street in San Miguel, within the Malacañang complex, the shrine traces its origins to 1958 and was originally established as the Espíritu Santo Chinese Parish—one of three Chinese parishes of the Archdiocese of Manila. Over time, devotion to St. Jude Thaddeus grew, especially through the well-attended Thursday novena, drawing students and board exam reviewees who seek the intercession of the patron saint of “hopeless cases.”

In 1994, it was declared an Archdiocesan Shrine, and in 2010, with the endorsement of Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales and the approval of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines during its 100th plenary assembly, it was elevated to the rank of National Shrine. Today, beyond its historical roots as a personal parish for the Chinese-Filipino community, it stands as a national center of devotion—an oasis of prayer in the very heart of the country’s political district.

The bishops waiting for the entrance procession for the mass at the St. Jude Thaddeus National Shrine. 

With the Shrine Rector Fr. Alex Vitualla, SVD (second from right) and his assistant priests. 

A welcome dance was performed by some parishioners before the start of the mass. 

Fr. Alex Vitualla, SVD, the Shrine rector giving his words of welcome.

CHURCHES IN THE DIOCESE OF PASIG

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHEDRAL-PARISH
Plaza Rizal, Malinao, Pasig City

ARCHDIOCESAN SHRINE AND MINOR BASILICA OF ST. ANNE
Santa Ana, Taguig City 

The Apostolic Nuncio Charles John Brown giving his homily during the solemn declaration of the church as a Minor Basilica last Nov. 21,2022. The symbols of a minor basilica, the ombrellino and tintinnabulum are clearly displayed. 

SANTA CLARA DE MONTEFALCO PARISH
C. Raymundo Ave., Caniogan, Pasig City

 

DIOCESAN SHRINE OF SANTA MARTHA / PARISH OF SAN ROQUE
B. Morcilla St., Pateros, Metro Manila

SANTO NIÑO DE TAGUIG PARISH
Sampaloc St., Zone 1, North Signal Village, Taguig City

ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL PARISH
10^TH Street Cor 39^th Ave, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

SANTO ROSARIO DE PASIG PARISH
Ortigas Ave., Rosario, Pasig City

 SANTA LUCIA PARISH
Amang Rodriguez Ave., Manggahan, Pasig City

San Antonio Abad Parish
Maybunga, Pasig City

Last January 17, 2024, I was invited to the fiesta Mass of the San Antonio Abad Parish Church in Maybunga, Pasig, presided over by the Bishop of Pasig, Mylo Hubert Vergara. It was a joyful celebration honoring the parish’s patron saint, drawing families and devotees from the community.

Nestled within a busy commercial district lined with shops and billboards, the church offers a surprising sense of calm once one steps inside. Its high ceilings, generous doorways, and simple yet harmonious design create a space that feels open and airy rather than crowded. The ceiling paintings add quiet beauty without overwhelming the sanctuary, allowing the focus to remain on prayer and worship.

Though parking is limited—often quickly filled, especially during well-attended Masses—the church remains a serene refuge amid the urban bustle. Every Sunday, and most especially during its fiesta, it becomes a true gathering place of faith, where the noise of the city fades and the community comes together in devotion and thanksgiving.