Indian bishops release book on 'Norms for the Designation of National Shrines'

On May 7, 2024, during the 94th Executive Committee meeting at St. John's Medical College in Bangalore, the Commission for Canon Law in the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) officially released the newly drafted "Norms for the Designation of National Shrines" as a book.

These thorough guidelines address the desire of several bishops to grant cherished diocesan shrines national status, promoting greater recognition and pilgrimage opportunities.

The Most Rev. Dr. Antonysamy Savarimuthu, Chairman of the Commission for Canon Law, and Rev. Dr. Merlin Rengith Ambrose, Executive Secretary of the Commission and Professor of Canon Law at St. Peter's Pontifical Seminary in Bangalore, led a meticulous process that resulted in the document.

His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferro, president of the CCBI, released the document.

Five distinct sections structure the document. After a brief introduction to the significance of the shrines, the first section lays out the overarching guiding principles governing national shrines.

The second section delves into detailed guidelines concerning liturgy, sacraments, pilgrimages, charitable endeavors, ecumenical celebrations, and popular devotions.

The third section addresses a range of additional guidelines.

The fourth section outlines the procedure for obtaining the designation of "National Shrine" from the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India.

The fifth section elaborates on the required documentation and application process.

Bishops seeking to elevate their diocesan shrines to the status of National Shrines should use this book as a vademecum. -Rev. Merlin Rengith Ambrose, DCL