National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Catholic church in Baclaran, Parañaque City, Philippines
The National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help is a modern Romanesque church along Roxas Boulevard that can hold about 11,000 people. The building stands out for its distinctive architecture and serves as a major religious center in Baclaran.
The church was built between 1953 and 1958 and became an important pilgrimage site for believers. A sacred image arrived from Germany in 1906 and survived hidden during the Japanese occupation in World War II.
The shrine draws crowds of devotees each week who gather to honor Mary and participate in prayer vigils. The prayers and gatherings here reflect a deep connection to faith within the local community.
The shrine is open 24 hours daily and offers several masses throughout the day. Visitors should note that bells ring before each service to call the faithful together.
The shrine houses the Bantayog ng mga Desaparecido monument, recognized by UNESCO, which honors victims of human rights abuses during a period of authoritarian rule. This quiet memorial tells an important chapter of the country's past.
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