“Spare me,” a whispered plea echoes through the Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus. It stands as a Roman Catholic beacon in Pasay. This diocesan shrine is governed by the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines.
The Shrine of St. Therese began humbly. It started as a makeshift chapel in 1947. José Alberto, the first military chaplain, built it at Nichols Air Base. This is now Villamor Air Base. Originally, it honored Michael the Archangel. The chapel expanded to serve more Philippine Air Force members. Major renovations happened in the 1980s. On December 16 1983, Archbishop Bruno Torpigliani consecrated it. He dedicated it to Saint Therese of the Child Jesus. He was the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines then.
President Joseph Estrada privatized parts of Villamor Air Base. But the shrine was spared. A memorandum signed on April 10 2000 protected it. The Bases Conversion and Development Authority granted land use to the Military Ordinariate. This happened on November 9 2000. Rogelio L. Singson chaired the authority.
The pilgrim relics of Thérèse visited in 2000. The shrine underwent major reconstruction again. Archbishop Ramon C. Arguelles initiated it. He wanted to promote the saint’s spirituality. He also wanted to encourage devotion to the “Millennium Saint.” Leopoldo S. Tumulak continued the project from March 8 2005.
Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales, Archbishop of Manila, approved a request. On January 6 2007, Bishop Tumulak could hold liturgical services. These were for the Military Ordinariate in the shrine. The shrine was within the Archdiocese of Manila. The newly refurbished Shrine of St. Therese was consecrated on May 17 2007. Cardinal Ricardo Vidal, Archbishop of Cebu, presided. Other bishops joined the service.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo unveiled a historical marker that day. High officials from the Department of National Defense attended. Top officers from the Armed Forces and Police were present. These services fell under the Military Ordinariate. It marked the 82nd anniversary of Thérèse de Lisieux’s canonization. Bishop Tumulak declared the church a diocesan shrine.
The Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus has a cruciform church. Its style blends Classical and Contemporary elements. It can hold 1800 people. The shrine is 84.8 meters long and 54.5 meters wide. The nave is 35.5 meters wide. The building reaches 35 meters high. Reinforced concrete forms its structure.
Today, the Shrine of St. Therese stands as a testament to faith. It shows resilience and devotion. It is a sanctuary for military personnel and civilians alike. The saint’s message of love echoes within its walls. Roses are often offered. They symbolize Saint Therese’s intercession. Her presence is felt in every prayer and every whispered plea.