Sacred Heart Parish now a shrine

CEBU, Philippines - The Sacred Heart Parish along Jakosalem St., Cebu City is now the “Archdiocesan Shrine of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus,” with a marker unveiled yesterday containing the official order for the 60-year-old parish.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma and over 30 priests held a concelebrated mass yesterday for the ceremony, held on a Pentecost Sunday or the conclusion of the Easter season which celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles.

Msgr. Cristobal Garcia Msgr. Cristobal Garcia, chairman of the Archdiocese

committee on worship, read the decree signed by Palma last April 3.

With its status as a new shrine, pilgrims are offered spiritual benefits for visiting. Palma in his homily said the new shrine will be a haven for those in search of a life with purpose and meaning.

The prelate encourages the faithful to recognize and accept the presence of the Holy Spirit, stressing that this will bring abundance in life. He defines the shrine as a “place where the love of God is constantly made present” for those who willingly seek.

The Society of Jesus Superior General Adolfo Nicolas in a letter challenges priests and parishioners to maintain their mission of promoting deeper devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

“This will require much reflection on the meaning of this devotion for our time, and for your city and country,” Nicolas said.

He said everyone should take part in helping people inspire and develop their own devotion to the Sacred Hear of Jesus through mercy and love. -/JPM (FREEMAN)