Balitang Sandigan: STA. RITA DE CASCIA PARISH CELEBRATED 1ST ANNIVERSARY AS DIOCESAN SHRINE (09.27.24)

Celebrated on September 22 of the current year, the first year of the designation of the Parish of Sta. Rita de Cascia in Guiguinto, Bulacan as a Diocesan Shrine. 

In a thanksgiving Mass, the Parish Pastoral Council, Shrine Ministry, various church organizations and the devotees gathered to thank God for the grace of the first year of existence as a full Shrine of the Parish. It was led by Father Dario Cabral, Vice President for Northern and Central Luzon of the Association of Catholic Shrines and Pilgrimages of the Philippines (ACSP), together with Father Norman J. Baldoz, Rector and Parish Priest of the Shrine.

One of the greatest blessings that the devotees and parish leadership are grateful for is the gift of the relic of the True Cross. It is currently enshrined in stone on the new Eucharist Table. It is considered an important opportunity to imitate the piety of Sta. Rita de Cascia who was also praying at the Cross, Good Friday year 1432, when she was given the stigmata or the mark of the wounds of Jesus on her body.

Part of the anniversary celebration is also the blessing of the new "Tulusan ng Kandila," as well as the new image of Santa Rita, where the five relics given to the Shrine by Father Dennis Ruiz, O.A.D. are placed, on the chest.
It really became more clear that being a Shrine is a mission and devotion, as promised by Father Norman, "Throughout the years of being our Diocesan Shrine, many graces have happened; many prayers have been answered. God has truly blessed us through Santa Rita."

Meanwhile, The Church of Santa Rita is the ninth Diocesan Shrine in the Diocese of Malolos that was ordained by Bishop Dennis Villarojo on September 22, 2023.

News from Rdo. Father Norman Baldoz and Spencer Roncales

Photo from RJV Photography and Film, and Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Sta. Rita de Casia SOCCOM

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