edsa shrine

 
  The Edsa Shrine is also known as Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace (Our Lady of EDSA). It is dedicated to the late first woman president, Corazon "Cory" Aquino, who put dictatorship into its anticipated downfall through a peaceful and prayerful revolt which is called the People Power Revolution, hence marking the beginning of a democratic government in the Philippines. EDSA Shrine was established on December 15, 1989 with Rev. Fr. Socrates Villegas as Rector. According to His Eminence Jaime Cardinal Sin, The EDSA Shrine is a Holy Ground when another peaceful People Power took place in January 2001. A Holy Ground Marker was inducted at the EDSA Shrine in Feburary 2001 during the 15th anniversary of the People Power. Different volunteers all over the country continue to maintain the significance and holiness of the EDSA Shrine. It is growing with the help of The EDSA Shrine community. 

The shrine was built through the efforts of Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin. Cardinal Sin created the idea of building a memorial structure that will give honor and lasting memory to the victorious People Power in 1986. 

The structure was designed by Architect Francisco Manosa along with the preparation of Architect Leandro Locsin and Architect William Cosculluela. The EDSA Shrine gives tribute to the image of Our Lady of Peace which was sculpted by Virginia Ty- Navarro.

I have noticed inside that this Shrine doesn't only serve as a chapel but also it serves as a home to dedicated Filipino artists. The entire shrine is actually divided into two chapels, The San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel which was named after the first Filipino Saint and the Chapel of Perpetual Adoration where as far as I remember was the chapel where my baby sister was baptized in 2005. 

Nothing changed that much really. Natural lighting is still obtained from all sides, except the wall in the main altar which receives light from the sky and such light enters the chapel through the stained glass ceiling designed by Eduardo Castrillo. It is definitely still the same peaceful haven for those who have a great devotion to God. At one end of the chapel, is a sculpture known as the "Flame of Freedom" which was done by Manny Casal. It shows three men holding a pot of flame and according to them it represents the three big islands in the Philippines which is Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Along the place are bronze sculptures called "14 Stations of the Cross" by Napoleon Abueva. 
There are also carillon bells which were crafted from the bullets and canons retrieved from the World War II. During the day, these bells chime peaceful tunes which purpose is to remind people of the People Power Revolution. 


Such works helped in the flourishing and maintaining the strong and spiritual ambiance of the entire shrine. All in all, they form a series of collection that inspire people who visit and pray there to include God in their everyday life and passions.