The National Shrine of St. Joseph in Mandaue City, Cebu joyfully celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the Dedication of the Church and its Declaration as a National Shrine — a significant milestone of God’s abiding grace and the Shrine’s continuing mission as a place of worship, prayer, and pilgrimage.
Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy presided over the 4:00 PM Thanksgiving Mass, joined by the shrine’s team of pastors led by Msgr. Rogelio Fuentes, PC (Vicar General), and visiting priests.
As the Shrine marks this meaningful milestone, Archbishop Abet, in his homily, emphasized the need to care for God’s dwelling places—the Church and His people—stressing that caring for the physical house of God is meaningless if they fail to care for, nurture, and keep His people holy.
He acknowledged the hardships that many of the faithful continue to endure, adding that it is even more heartbreaking that some who worship God on Sundays are also the very ones who cause pain and suffering to God’s beloved nation.
Drawing inspiration from the life of St. Joseph, Archbishop Abet then shared three hopes for the Church:
That the Church may become a Church that listens like St. Joseph.
The good Archbishop reflected on the growing inability of many people to listen attentively to God and even to one another.
“Si St. Joseph hilom nga tawo, pero sigurado ta naminaw siya kanunay sa Ginoo. Sa kanunay nagiyahan sa iyang kinabuhi.”
That the Church may become a Church that protects the family.
He noted that families today face numerous threats, with many breaking apart because of conflict, selfishness, and the temptations that draw people away from one another.
“St. Joseph was given by God that very special responsibility to protect God’s two treasures: Jesus and Mary. Sama ni San Jose, manalipod [unta kita] sa usag usa.”
That the Church may work for God in a humble and quiet way, following the example of St. Joseph.
He observed the tendency for some members of the Church who serve when they are noticed, praised, or recognized, causing their service to lose its purity of intention.
“St. Joseph teaches us to work and serve only to glorify God.”
Presentation of the Tripod Pastoral Program
Following the Post-Communion Prayer, Archbishop Abet, Msgr. Fuentes, and Parish Pastoral Council President Vivian Carbonilla led the unveiling of the Shrine’s Tripod Pastoral Program, a pastoral roadmap that reflects its commitment to the New Evangelization, works of charity, and the promotion of the charism, virtues, and example of St. Joseph.
The initiative also supports the Archdiocese’s journey toward the 2034 Jubilee while echoing Archbishop Abet’s call to care not only for God’s house but also for God’s people.
Built on the image of St. Joseph as a faithful guardian and provider, the program consists of four flagship ministries: Pan ni San Jose, which nourishes both body and soul through feeding programs, livelihood initiatives, and assistance to the sick and dying; Tugkaran ni San Jose, which promotes responsible stewardship of the environment, homes, and local communities; Balay ni San Jose, which provides housing assistance while strengthening families through spiritual formation and financial literacy; and Pagpahulay ni San Jose, a death assistance program for parishioners
Messages
Then, Fr. Junel Fuentes read the message of Fr. Reynante Tolentino, President of the Association of Catholic Shrines and Pilgrimages of the Philippines.
The event was also made more special with the reading of the Message and Imparting of the Apostolic Blessing from His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, which was read by Fr. Ronmarth Reysan Cabase.
Declaration of the Special Year of Grace
The Archdiocese granted the Shrine to celebrate the Special Year of Grace, where the faithful may obtain a plenary indulgence by making a pilgrimage to the shrine, participating devoutly in the Eucharistic Celebration or its liturgical rites, receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Holy Communion, and praying for the intentions of the Holy Father with complete detachment from sin.