EXCERPT ON THE PASTORAL CARE OF SHRINE AND BASILICA MINISTRIES
“We are to give a total experience (of pastoral care) from the altar where the pilgrims feel the presence of God up to the comfort room where they should experience being cared for by the people of the shrine. This is because a shrine is a place where you can encounter God, not just in the church itself, but in every corner of the place.
This (kind of pastoral care) could only happen, we could only have a good sense of awareness on the physical plan if there is within us the presence of God and the capacity to follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit. This could only happen if there is unity and fellowship among the Shrine Pastors and the Shrine Ministers… If we recognize the work of the Holy Spirit in our ministry, it will lead us not to division or confusion, but to become united in our collaboration for the pilgrims.
‘Blessed rather are those who hear the Word of God and keep it.’ This is the number one principle for all shrines, and all the rest will just follow. All the good views and good facilities will follow if there is that openness to the will of God among the members of your community to give care for our pilgrims as shrine ministers. Then, this openness will flow from you to the people you serve when they come to the shrines. The pilgrims experience the presence of God first through the warm welcome and hospitality of the shrine ministers and then only through the facilities of the shrine.”
His Excellency,
Most Rev. Dennis C. Villarojo, D.D., Bishop of Malolos
First General Assembly of Shrines and Minor Basilicas of The Roman Catholic Diocese of Malolos – Ang Sandigan organized by the Committee on Shrines of the Diocesan Commission on Liturgy-Malolos
The National Shrine and Parish of the Divine Mercy Philippines, Marilao, Bulacan
October 14, 2023
See full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z64q3g0mjs0
Photo Courtesy: ACSP – Association of Catholic Shrines and Pilgrimages of the Philippines
