The Filipino Shrine

In November 2004, the Pauline Brothers offered a block of land to the Filipinos free of charge to build a shrine at Marian Valley, located in a serene and mountainous part of Canungra. A number of shrines, built by believers from different nationalities, makes the place very special, tranquil and ideal for anyone’s spiritual retreat.  Thousands of people visit and do pilgrimages to the Marian Valley every year, an hour drive southwest of Brisbane.

A group of dedicated Filipino volunteers and devotees of Mother of Perpetual Help formed to plan and build the construction. The shrine was made possible through the generousity of the people not only in terms of monetary but also of their time and talent. The making of the Shrine took only six months and was formally blessed and inaugurated on June 18, 2005.

The shrine houses three beautiful icons: Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the statue of St Lorenzo Ruiz (first Filipino Saint and martyr) and the image of the Black Nazarene.

An annual pilgrimage is being held every third Sunday of September which coincides the Feast of St. Lorenzo de Ruiz. During the day of prayer a confession and exposition of the B Holy Sacrament followed byHoly Mass celebration led by Filipino chaplain. After the Holy Mass celebrants and thousands of pilgrims join the procession of the three icons from the chapel to the shrine. Upon reaching the shrine, pilgrims pause a deep moment of silence to allow individuals to whisper silently their spiritual wish to God. The chaplain then imparts a special prayer and blessing to the pilgrims.

The fellowship comes after prayers, pilgrims normally lay down all their foods on the ground at the picnic area for a shared lunch together.

Every year the number in attendance is very impressive and the liturgical celebration is so beautiful and solemn. Several buses transporting Filipino and from other ethnic community pilgrims from Caboolture, Hervey Bay, Ipswich, Gold Coast and individuals from Brisbane go to the Marian Valley.

The shrine is being looked after by the Pauline Brothers and the chaplaincy gives donation to the Marian Valley for its maintenance. The chaplaincy welcomes any donation for the improvement of the shrine.

Any individual or groups who wish to visit and open the shrine to pray, please contact the coordinator or the office of Pauline Brothers. For more information about the Marian Valley schedule of events, visit http://www.marianvalley.org/events.html

Copyright @ Catholic Filipino Australian Chaplaincy of Brisbane | ABN 60 294 098 647