On 17 February 2025, the Minor Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in the Philippines celebrated its 50th anniversary since being established as a parish in 1975. The concelebrated Eucharistic celebration marking the event was presided over by Most Rev. Elias Ayuban Jr., CMF, Bishop of Cubao, followed by a dinner fellowship held on the parish church grounds.
Leading up to the anniversary day itself, a novena of Masses was celebrated, with the first to seventh days presided over by Discalced Carmelite friars who had served as parish priests. On the eighth day, 15 February, the Mass was celebrated by Most Rev. Rolando Tria-Tirona, OCD, Archbishop Emeritus of Caceres and the parish’s first Filipino parish priest. Cubao Bishop Emeritus Honesto Ongtioco, who was instrumental in the church’s elevation to the status of a national shrine and minor basilica, celebrated the Eucharist on the ninth day, 16 February.
Activities in connection with the golden jubilee anniversary will continue throughout the year, centered around the theme: Fifty Years Stories: Parish, Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving, Pilgrimage.
