The Quiapo Church is now a national shrine

The Quiapo Church - also known as the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene and the Saint John the Baptist Parish - has now been declared a national shrine by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

The organization made the move last Sunday during the CBCP's 126th plenary assembly in Aklan. The move to name the Quiapo Church as a national shrine was first petitioned by Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula.

With the declaration, the Quiapo Church is now designated as the “National Shrine of the Black Nazarene.”

On its official Facebook page, the Quiapo Church expressed its gratitude to the CBCP and proclaimed that all blessings come from God.

This is the latest title given to the church, as Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula also granted its petition to become an archdiocesan shrine back in May 10.

Every Filipino knows that the Quiapo Church is the home of the Black Nazarene, a 400-year-old statue of Jesus Christ that devotees frequently visit in the hopes of receiving a miracle. The procession in its honor is held on January 9 and usually involves rerouting of traffic in the area.

The elevation of the Quiapo Church into national shrine status gives the city of Manila yet another location that tourists can visit. Aside from the Quiapo Church, another site that tourists can visit is the Manila Cathedral located in Intramuros. On special occasions, the church holds guided tours that give visitors access to locations like the crypt, choir loft, and roof deck of the church.

Tourists can also visit the nearby Fort Santiago and even rent Filipiniana such as barong tagalog or baro't saya for just P350 an hour.

Across from Intramuros is the Manila Clock Tower museum, which provides visitors a 360-degree view of Intramuros as well as a multi-sensory exhibit of the Battle of Manila.

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR OTHER RELIGIOUS LOCATIONS TO VISIT, CHECK OUT THE GALLERY BELOW.