MY HOUSE WILL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER

​"Dear Kuya Jeff, reminiscing about the times you dubbed me your favorite Bible student at Greenbelt Chapel brings a smile. You're my go-to faith guide, effortlessly unraveling intricate aspects for someone like me. By the way, what defines an International Shrine, and how does it differ from a Basilica? Eager for your insights. Wishing you a swift recovery, and blessings to you." - Net O.

1. An oratory is a structure other than a parish church, set aside by ecclesiastical authority for prayer and the celebration of Mass. Essentially, it is synonymous with what is commonly known as a chapel. It is established for the convenience of a specific community or group of the faithful, such are the oratories of seminaries, pious congregations, colleges, hospitals, prisons, and such institutions though other faithful may enter with the approval of the competent superior. The oversight of these sacred spaces falls under the responsibility of the community's superior or an appointed chaplain.

2. A mission station is a place where a definite community of Catholics could gather to fulfill their religious obligations on a fairly regular basis. Some stations served their purpose for a short time until a church was constructed in the area, housing construction ended, or until a settlement simply failed. It is for all intents and purposes another word for what is commonly called a quasi parish, entrusted to a priest as its proper administrator, but not yet erected as a parish because of particular circumstances.
3. The term "parish" encompasses not only the territorial jurisdiction but also includes the community, congregation, church building, and its property. Typically, a parish is geographically defined and includes all Catholic faithful within a specific area. The patron saint, generally associated with a church, is considered its special protector.
On the other hand, the term "titular" is broader, encompassing the Trinity, faith mysteries, angels, or any canonized saint. The name a church bears is referred to as its titular. The patrons of a place are chosen by the people, and a locality may have both principal and secondary patrons.

A parish is typically overseen by a parish priest, its designated pastor. In certain situations, multiple priests may jointly care for a parish, with one serving as the moderator responsible for directing and being accountable to the bishop.
4. A cathedral serves as the mother church of a diocese and acts as a focal point for services and celebrations for those worshipping in churches throughout the diocese. The term "Cathedral" denotes the bishop's elevated chair positioned behind the high altar, symbolizing the bishop's role as a teacher (Doctor of Divinity). It holds a significant position in the church hierarchy, as it is the place from which the bishop oversees and governs the administrative area, with a rector managing the day-to-day affairs, possibly assisted by other priests appointed by the bishop.

5. A shrine is a church or another sacred place to which numerous members of the faithful make pilgrimage for a special reason of piety. A shrine can be classified as Diocesan, National, or International.
In the early 90s, Mercedita regularly visited the Divine Mercy parish in Sikatuna Village, Quezon City, praying the chaplet with fellow devotees. Despite relocating to Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City, in 2010, she continued her devotion at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Divine Mercy in Plainview. As the devotion expands, a church can seek elevation to Diocesan Shrine status, granted by the diocesan bishop.

Mercedita, committed to her devotion, annual pilgrimages to the Parish and National Shrine of Divine Mercy in Marilao, Bulacan, during Lent. She pledged to uphold this tradition for generations. A diocesan shrine can attain the status of a national shrine if it gains cultural, historical, and religious significance on a country level, subject to approval from the National Conference of Bishops.
In 2023, Mercedita's granddaughter, Mercy, arranged a pilgrimage to the International Sanctuary Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Krakow, Poland, as a 75th birthday gift. Expressing gratitude for passing on the devotion, Mercy organized the trip to the devotion's birthplace, including visits to Pope John Paul II's residence, St. Faustina's vision chapel, and St. Maximilian Kolbe's prison cell. The status of a National Shrine can be raised to an International Shrine with the Holy See's approval when the devotion achieves global recognition. International shrines, endorsed by the Pope, encompass historic locations, approved apparitions, and sites associated with saints.

5. The most important church in the hierarchy is the Basilica. A Basilica is a Church of historical and architectural value which has particular importance for the liturgical and pastoral life of the Roman Catholic Church. In essence, Basilicas are churches of the Pope. For this reason, they are able to carry the ombrellino, the red and gold umbrella that historically was used to shade the pope, and the tintinnabulum, a bell on a pole, which would traditionally signify the approach of the pope. Today, these represent the earthly powers of the pope as well as the basilica’s link to the pontiff. A basilica also has the right to add the crossed papal keys to its banners, furnishings, and seal. Along with these physical privileges, basilicas also have the responsibility of celebrating the Feast  of the Chair of Peter (February 22), the Solemnity of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul (June 29), and the anniversary of the Pope’s election or inauguration.

Basilicas can be classified either as Major or Minor. There are only four Major Basilicas in the world, all of them in Rome: St. Peter’s, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls. These four Churches are particularly connected to the Pope in history and in practice and are also known as Papal Basilicas. All other basilicas situated in different countries all over the world are “minor” basilicas. Minor Basilicas are specifically tasked with celebrating the feasts of the liturgical year with great care and attention. In addition to excellence in the fostering of the Sacred Liturgy, Minor Basilicas are to be places of instruction in the Catholic Faith and evangelization. On numerous days of the year, the faithful who devoutly visit the basilica and within it participate in any sacred rite or at least recite the Lord's Prayer and the profession of faith may obtain a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions.

6. Vatican II's Lumen Gentium Chapter VII discusses the Church as a pilgrim on a journey towards the heavenly Jerusalem. We are all continuously seeking God, and sacred sites offer avenues for encountering Him. Whether you visit these places for ritual obligations, acts of devotion, spiritual experiences, or seeking grace, miracles, or healing, remember to treat them as houses of prayer, for we are pilgrims and not tourists. Whether it's an Oratory, Mission Station, Parish Church, Shrine, or Basilica, the ultimate goal is to find and connect with God in these places, share faith, hope, and love with fellow pilgrims and local faithful, and be transformed with God's mercy and grace.