Bataan Governor Joet Garcia, along with the provincial government officials and the Church, celebrates the first anniversary of the St. John Paul II National Shrine. The occasion honors the legacy of Saint Pope John Paul II and the enduring spirit of compassion that binds the people of Bataan.
The shrine stands, along Roman Expressway in Barangay Culis in the Municipality of Hermosa, as a beacon of hope, inviting pilgrims to seek solace, reflect, and draw inspiration from the life and teachings of Saint Pope John Paul II. As the faithful gather to commemorate this milestone, they are reminded of the power of compassion, mercy, and love—a legacy that continues to shape lives and communities.
On January 29, 2023, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) elevated the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Saint John Paul II in Barangay Culis, Municipality of Hermosa, Bataan, into a national shrine. This historic occasion marks the first anniversary of its establishment as a significant pilgrimage site.
A Place of Compassion and Mercy
The shrine’s history is rooted in compassion and mercy. In 1981, Saint Pope John Paul II visited Morong in Bataan and celebrated the Holy Eucharist for the so-called “boat people” from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.
These refugees, fleeing the cruel Indochina Wars, sought refuge in the province of Bataan and resided in Morong at the Philippine Refugee Processing Center. To commemorate the immense love of the Diocese of Balanga for Saint Pope John Paul II and perpetuate the Filipinos’ loving hospitality to their Asian neighbors, the papal altar was reconstructed, and the Diocesan Memorial Shrine was built. The shrine was eventually blessed on February 21, 2011, the 30th anniversary of the apostolic visit of Saint Pope John Paul II to the Philippines.
Significance of the Shrine
The Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Saint John Paul II holds a special place in the hearts of the faithful. It serves as a testament to the compassion and hospitality extended to those in need. The shrine’s historical significance lies not only in its architectural beauty but also in its role as a place of spiritual solace and remembrance.
Elevating to National Shrine Status
The elevation of the shrine to national status by the CBCP signifies its importance in the spiritual life of the Filipino people. As a national shrine, it becomes a focal point for pilgrims seeking spiritual nourishment, healing, and inspiration. The means of salvation are abundantly supplied to the faithful through the proclamation of the word of God, liturgical celebrations, and approved forms of popular piety.
The St. John Paul II National Shrine in Bataan stands as a testament to the enduring impact of compassion and the universal call to love one another. As pilgrims visit this sacred place, they find not only architectural beauty but also a spiritual haven—a place where hearts are uplifted, and faith is strengthened.