Opisyal nang magiging national shrine ang Diocesan Shrine of Saint John Paul II sa Hermosa, Bataan sa darating na Sabado, Abril 1.
Sa kaniyang pastoral statement, nagpahayag ng pasasalamat si Bishop Ruperto C. Santos, ang bishop ng Balanga at episcopal coordinator ng Divine Mercy-Philippines at Asia, at sinabing ang Diocesan Shrine ng Saint John Paul II ay isang magandang regalo sa Diocese ng Balanga.
“I would like to express our sincere gratitude and profound appreciation to the caring ways and affirmative response of our beloved bishops who have unanimously elevated our Diocesan Shrine of St. John Paul II during the CBCP Plenary Assembly on Jan. 29,” ani Santos.
“This Diocesan Shrine of Saint John Paul II is our immense gift to the Diocese of Balanga. Likewise, it is the precious gift of the Diocese of Balanga to the Philippine Church on the occasion of her memorable and monumental 500 years anniversary of our Christianity, a best and beneficial example of our theme Gifted to Give,” saad pa ng obispo.
Catanduanes, niyanig ng magnitude 6.1 na lindol
Pangungunahan naman umano ni Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, ang pangulo ng Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) ang liturgical celebration na gaganapin sa Abril 1 dakong 9:00 ng umaga.
