Tondo church gets archdiocesan shrine status

The Sto. Niño Parish Church in Manila’s Tondo district has been elevated to “archdiocesan shrine” status.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle himself made the announcement during a Mass at the Tondo church on Jan. 12.

The cardinal said the elevation stemmed from the petition of Tondo parish priest Fr. Estelito Villegas and the local community.

“We likewise grant to the said Archdiocesan Shrine of Sto. Niño all the rights and privileges as embodied in the statutes which we also approve at the same time,” Tagle said in his decree.

In his homily, he challenge the devotees to be prepared as they embrace their new identity and mission.

“If that is your identity, that’s also your mission. Along with your identity is becoming a missionary for evangelization,” said Tagle.

The rite formally declaring the parish as an archdiocesan shrine will be held during a mass to be presided over by the cardinal on Feb. 5.