The National Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Mercy joyfully celebrated the First Anniversary of its Solemn Declaration as a National Shrine on Monday, September 15, 2025. The milestone brought together clergy, religious communities, parishioners, and devotees of Our Lady of Mercy (Ina ng Awa) to give thanks for a full year of grace and devotion since the parish received its historic national title.

Aside from commemorating the anniversary, the day also marked the First Day of the Novena Mass for the upcoming Feast of Our Lady of Mercy. The Eucharistic celebration was led by Most Rev. Roberto O. Gaa, D.D., Bishop of Novaliches, together with Rev. Fr. Jose Peregrino V. Tomas, Parish Priest and Rector of the Shrine, and the resident priests serving at the National Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Mercy. The event began with the first novena Mass, setting a prayerful atmosphere of anticipation, followed by a special program recalling the historic declaration of the shrine.

This anniversary traces its roots to September 15, 2024, when the former Diocesan Shrine was solemnly declared a National Shrine during a Eucharistic Celebration presided by Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula. Bishops, priests, religious, and hundreds of faithful witnessed the declaration, which affirmed the Shrine’s role as a national center of Marian devotion and a pilgrimage site for those seeking prayer and mercy.

As the Shrine enters its second year as a National Shrine, it remains steadfast in its mission to spread the message of mercy, deepen devotion to the Blessed Mother, and welcome pilgrims from across the Philippines. The first anniversary celebration not only honored the past year of blessings but also renewed the commitment of the faithful to live and share the compassionate love of Ina ng Awa for generations to come.