Milestone and Honor
1856 – Parish Establishment
September 24, 1856 – Fr. Andres Martin, OSA, officially established the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de la Merced in the newly founded pueblo of Novaliches.
This marked the formal birth of the parish and the beginning of Marian devotion in the area.
2008 – Declared a Diocesan Shrine
September 15, 2008 – During the first day of the novena, Bishop Antonio Tobias, D.D. declared the parish as the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Mercy, recognizing its pivotal role in the faith journey of the people and its historical significance as the “mother parish” of many new parishes in the diocese.
2009 – 18 Carillon Bells
On the first anniversary of its elevation to Diocesan Shrine, the Church was presented with a beautiful gift—18 Carillon Bells, a token of gratitude from the devotees led by the Samahan ng Hermanos at Hermanas 2009 of Our Lady of Mercy.
These bells were blessed on September 8, 2009, and installed in the church belfry, where they continue to ring out in prayer and praise during major feast days and solemn celebrations.
2009 – Marian Garden
In 2009, the Marian Garden was established within the church grounds as a dedicated space for the growing number of Marian statues in the parish. The church created this sacred area to bring together these images of the Blessed Mother in one unified, meaningful space.
2020 – Ina ng Novaliches (Mother of Novaliches)
In October 2020, the parish formally petitioned for the recognition of Our Lady of Mercy as “Ina ng Novaliches”, reflecting her deep connection and motherhood over the faithful in the area.
This elevated her role as the Secondary Patroness of the Diocese, next to the Good Shepherd.
2021 – Spiritual Bond with St. Mary Major, Rome
March 6, 2021 – The shrine was granted a Bond of Spiritual Affinity with the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, one of the four major basilicas of the Catholic Church.
June 6, 2021 – The bond was formally declared by Most Rev. Charles John Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, making the shrine a Marian pilgrimage site linked with Rome.
2021 – Canonical Coronation of Our Lady of Mercy
March 24, 2021 – The Holy See granted the Canonical Coronation of the Primera Image of Our Lady of Mercy.
September 24, 2021 – The coronation was solemnly held and presided by Apostolic Nuncio Charles John Brown, D.D., affirming the strong Marian devotion in Novaliches.
2022 – Sacred Relics and Blessed Brick
May 8, 2022 – Enthronement of a relic from the Cave of Gargano (where St. Michael the Archangel appeared), authenticated by Fr. Ambrosio Legaspi, diocesan exorcist.
On the same day, the shrine received and blessed a brick from the Holy Door of St. Mary Major in Rome, sealed during the Jubilee Year 2000 by St. Pope John Paul II.
This emphasizes the Shrine’s spiritual ties to Rome and the graces channeled to the faithful.
2023 – Visit of the Relics of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus
April 10, 2023 – The Pilgrim Relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux visited the shrine, honored through a welcoming Mass, vigil, veneration, and farewell rites.
2023 – Membership in ACSP
August 5, 2023 – The shrine became a certified member of the Association of Catholic Shrines and Pilgrimages of the Philippines (ACSP), during its First General Assembly.
This strengthened the shrine’s role in the New Evangelization and pilgrim ministry nationwide
2024 – Declared a National Shrine
- July 6, 2024 – During the 128th CBCP Plenary Assembly, the shrine was unanimously approved for elevation as a National Shrine.
- September 15, 2024 – The Declaration as a National Shrine was led by Jose Cardinal Advincula, D.D., with bishops and clergy from across the country present.
- It is now the first National Shrine in the Diocese of Novaliches.
2025 – Jubilee Pilgrim Church
As part of the Ordinary Jubilee Year of Hope 2025, the National Shrine was designated one of the Jubilee Pilgrim Churches of the Diocese of Novaliches, continuing its mission of mercy and renewal.
A Legacy of Faith and Mercy
The milestones and honors of the National Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Mercy of Novaliches reflect a rich legacy of devotion, recognition, and mission. As pilgrims step into its sacred grounds, they step into a history woven with the maternal care of Mary, the blessing of the Universal Church, and the unshakable faith of a people who call her Ina ng Novaliches.