Diocesan Shrine of Jesus the Divine Word

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SHRINE OF THE DIVINE WORD
By Fr. Atilano Corcuera, SVD

In the 2005 provincial Chapter resolution was approved, namely “TO MANDATE THE PROVINCIALATE TO TAKE STEPS FOR THE ERECTION OF CKMS CHAPEL AS A SHRINE OR PARISH.

The first step that the provincialate took was to appoint an administrator of the CKMS chapel to prepare the groundwork for its moving to become a shrine. During lent in 2005 Fr. Dante Venus was the first to take this position. But due to unforeseen events Venus could not continue, and so on May 2005 Fr, Alfredo Sabado was appointed as the 2nd Administrator of the proposed shrine – with one-year tenure. He was considered fit for the position since he was the coordinator of for the JPIC and one of the implementors of new ministries.
Some of the objectives of the Shrine project were:
1. To implement the SVD prophetic dialogue in the Diocese of Cubao and the archdiocese.
2. To mobilize SVD’s and the laity for activities manifesting the SVD characteristic dimension.
The Shrine administrator was supervised, supported and closely guided by the parish priest of Sacred Heart, Fr. Manuel Bongayan to whose parish the proposed shrine belongs. He also acted as liason with the local ordinary, being at the same time the episcopal vicar for religious in the diocese.
The SHP of Kamuning helped mobilize its three mini-parishes around CKMS to support the project. These mini-parishes and the existing lay organizations based at the CKMS formed the mass base and moving power of the shrine.
A pastoral team of priests was formed to assist Fr. Sabado. The first batch was composed of Fr. Jerry Orbos, Fr. John O’Mahoney, Fr. Mercado, Alcober, Fr. Bel San Luis, Fr. Mario Bije, and Fr. Arlo Yap.
In one-year time the following were accomplished:
1) A novena was composed to the Divine Word (through Fr. Singson and Fr. Horst)
2) The icon of the Shrine was chosen to be that of the Annunciation (Our lady of the Sign, from a Orthodox source, downloaded from internet)
3) An adoration chapel was constructed to the right wing of the chapel to accommodate 200 to 300 visitors and pilgrims who come weekly.
4) Thousands of signatures were collected to ask for the official declaration of the Shrine.
5) First celebration of the proposed Shrine’s main feast, March 25, 2005 when the Word was made flesh.

On January 2006, revisiting the 2005 resolution on the mandate given to the provincial with regards steps for the erection of the Shrine, a performance report had this to say, “Preliminary technical step has been taken toward the erection of CKMS as Shrine or Parish.” This was confirmed by another report from the finance sector in the same Performance Report: “Certain moves have already been done by the local community for the concretization of the CKMS chapel into a Shrine.”
After one year, on May 2006, Fr. Sabado turned over the administration of the proposed Shrine to Fr. Atilano Corcuera, the latter having been officially appointed by the Provincial to be the administrator of the chapel beginning in June 2006.
From June to Christmas of 2006, the following took place:
1. Visit and inspection of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission to the proposed Shrine (June).
2. Communications between the bishop and the Shrine administrator.
3. Presentation of signatures, petitioning the bishop to declare the chapel a Shrine.
4. Sustained follow up of SHP pastor, Fr. Manuel Bongayan with the bishop.
5. Intense formation lay groups working as one big Shrine family, including the barangays surrounding CKMS.
6. Final approval by the bishop together with his Presbyteral Council to erect the Diocesan Shrine of the Divine Word.
On December 25, 2006, the bishop Most Reverend Honesto F. Ongtioco, together with the SVD Provincial, the parish priest, the Rector of CKMS, the Rector of the proposed shrine and some other priests concelebrated in a Mass participated by the lay groups of the Shrine Family. Within the Mass the bishop officially declared CKMS chapel as Shrine of the Divine Word.

VISION:

The Shrine of Jesus the Divine Word is a community of families, faith seekers and pilgrims, inspired by the Divine Word, growing in faith, justice and love, sharing God’s love to all.

MISSION:

1. To build and strengthen persons and families through active participation in meaningful worship.
2. To provide social service to neighboring communities.
3. To promote study, sharing and teaching of the Word of God.
4. To organize formation activities through talks.

OBJECTIVES:

1. To mobilize Shrine organizations that will animate churchgoers to actively participate in worship and other activities.
2. To organize, plan and conduct projects for our poor neighbours such as medical missions, outreach program, etc.
3. To give regular opportunities for recollections, talks, healing services and counselling.
4. To promote, encourage and invite churchgoers to join parish and civic activities.
5. To promote, maintain and enrich Shrine atmosphere for prayer and meditation through proper management, repair and improvement of the physical facilities and grounds.