 On February 10, 1951, the two images of Our Lady of Lourdes were transferred to the new church from the temporary shelter in Mayon Street.The church was inaugurated on August 15, 1951, by the archbishop of Manila, Monsignor Reyes who officiated at the mass which was attended by many important people including the President of the Philippine Senate, Don Mariano Jesus Cuenco who represented the Spanish Embassy and Miss Gullon, daughter of the Ambassador.On January 24, 1997, the church was declared National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines.