Hagonoy, Bulacan
Saint Anne
NATIONAL SHRINE & PARISH of
ARTICLE
Jubileo 2025 pinasinayaan sa Pambansang Dambana ni Apo Ana
On December 29, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Malolos officially opened the local celebration of Jubilee 2025, with the National Shrine as one of the designated pilgrim churches.
ABOUT
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Lenten
Season
Experience a solemn and transformative Lenten journey at the National Shrine of Saint Anne. Through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we prepare our hearts for the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ. Join us in meaningful liturgical celebrations, reflections, and acts of devotion as we walk with the Lord toward the joy of Easter.
Devotions to Saint Anne in the Philippines
The devotion to Saint Anne in the Philippines has a long history, beginning with the establishment of the Santa Ana Church in Manila by Franciscan missionaries in 1578. This church, one of the oldest in the country, has become more significant as center for devotion to Our Lady of the Abandoned. In 1581, the National Shrine and Parish of Saint Anne in Hagonoy, Bulacan, was established by the Agustinian Friars, becoming a major pilgrimage site with annual festivities and solemnity attracting thousands of devotees. Because of its popularity, it was later designated as a Diocesan Shrine, and then recognized as a National Shrine by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines. The Saint Anne Parish and Minor Basilica in Taguig also plays a vital role in promoting devotion through various religious activities. Across the Philippines, numerous diocesan shrines and churches dedicated to Apo Ana reflect the widespread veneration to Grandmother of our Lord, highlighting the deep-rooted Catholic faith and cultural heritage of the Filipino people.
Life of Saints Anne and Joachim
In the records of history, Saint Anne is highly revered as a saint among saints. She played a pivotal role in the story of human redemption, being the Mother of the Virgin Mary and the Grandmother of Jesus Christ. Her husband, Joachim, was a righteous man. According to the earliest gospels, they were an elderly couple who had not been able to have a child and had grown old without any offspring.
Photo: Giotto, Meeting at the Golden Gate from Steven Zucker / flickr
Photo: Carmelle Claire Therese Estenzo / facebook
According to the tradition in the Proto-Gospel of Saint James, Joachim was in a distant place to fast and continue to ask God for help. An angel appeared in the vision of Saint Joachim and promised that his wife Anne would bear a man, and what will grow in her womb will be called Blessed to all generations. Because of their strong faith, God was pleased in heaven and therefore blessed the couple with a miraculous conception. In the womb of Saint Anne blossomed the Virgin Mary, who was conceived without the stain of original sin so that Mary would bring the Son of God, who would redeem mankind.
This conception of Saint Anne is the reason why Saint Joachim quickly went home, and then Saint Anne also quickly went to Saint Joachim to deliver the good news. The two met at the Golden Gate of Jerusalem, and a kiss began the pure conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Because of the steadfast obedience to God and the faith shown by Saints Anne & Joachim, they are now recognized as Patrons of the elderly, parents, grandparents, and the childless.
Pilgrims Section
By making a pilgrimage to the National Shrine, you will gain indulgence, and certainly the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ!
A shrine is a sacred place, often a church, where a relic is preserved or where an apparition or significant event of faith has occurred. These shrines are typically established to nurture devotion to a particular saint. For instance, the National Shrine and Parish of Saint Anne in Hagonoy, Bulacan, was constructed to venerate Saint Anne, in the Philippines, recognizing her pivotal role in the faith history of the Filipino people, especially the Hagonoeños. The declaration of shrines is made by the local ordinary, while national shrines are designated by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines.
