Priests and lay representatives from the minor basilica, national shrines, and archdiocesan shrines across the Archdiocese of Cebu gathered at the National Shrine of St. Joseph for the 2nd Cebu Shrines Congress.

The congress sought to provide formation, guidance, and deeper pastoral insight to those entrusted with the administration of shrines within the Archdiocese.

It also aimed to strengthen their understanding of the vital role shrines play in evangelization, pilgrimage, and the broader mission of the Church.

A highlight of the gathering was the recognition of three Archdiocesan Shrines as full members of the Association of Catholic Shrines and Pilgrimages (ACSP), a ministry under the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines – Episcopal Commission on the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People.

The newly inducted members were the Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Lucia in Asturias, the Archdiocesan Shrine of San Antonio de Padua in Tuburan, and the Archdiocesan Shrine of San Vicente Ferrer in Bogo.

The recognition marks a significant milestone for the three shrines, affirming their commitment to fostering devotion, welcoming pilgrims, and advancing the Church’s pastoral mission.

The event concluded with a Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Fr. Reynante Tolentino, President of the ACSP, bringing the congress to a prayerful close and renewing the participants’ commitment to serve as centers of faith, pilgrimage, and evangelization.