QUEZON CITY, Philippines — In celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the 50th anniversary of its establishment as a parish, the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in New Manila held a solemn blessing of statues of Blessed Álvaro del Portillo and Blessed Marie-Eugene of the Child Jesus.
The ceremony was led by Most Rev. Elias Ayuban, bishop of Cubao, on the church grounds last July 16.
“May these images inspire all who gaze upon them to seek you in prayer, humility, and joyful service,” Bishop Ayuban read in the rite of blessing.
Blessed Marie-Eugene of the Child Jesus, a Discalced Carmelite and former Vicar General of the order, is closely linked to the shrine's origins. On December 30, 1954, he laid the cornerstone of the church, which has since become a landmark of Carmelite devotion in the Philippines. Beatified in 2016, he is remembered as a man of profound prayer and trust in the Holy Spirit.
Blessed Álvaro del Portillo, first successor of Saint Josemaría Escrivá as head of Opus Dei, visited the Shrine during a pastoral trip to Manila on January 22, 1987. Accompanied by members of Opus Dei, he prayed the Rosary before the image of Our Lady. He was beatified in 2014 in Madrid, and is remembered for his humility and being an exemplary pastor in the service of the Church.
The blessing of the two images highlighted the continuing legacy of holiness associated with the Shrine and the spiritual figures who have shaped its history.