THE Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur is now a minor basilica.
Minor basilicas are chosen for their historical significance, architectural value, and role as centers of active and pastoral liturgy.
The Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption is the second minor basilica of the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia. The first is the Minor Basilica of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino and Shrine of Santo Cristo Milagroso in Sinait, Ilocos Sur, which was given the title in 2022.
“The title of minor basilica signifies a closer bond between the local church and the pope, symbolizing communion with the universal Church,” said Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles John Brown, in a report of the CBCP News, the official news agency of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
CBCP News said the Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption was officially declared a minor basilica on August 15 through the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia.
Brown said the pilgrims who will visit the newly designated basilica may receive plenary indulgence.
“We urge the faithful to make the basilica a sacred place and a center of prayer and liturgy so that whoever enters will feel the mercy and compassion of Christ,” said Brown.
Built in 1765 atop a hill overlooking the town center, the church was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the Philippine government in 1983.
The church is also recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as one of the four Baroque Churches of the Philippines inscribed as a World Heritage Site.
A minor basilica shares a “particular link” with Rome and the pope, as outlined by the Dicastery for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments’ document.
THE Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur is now considered as a minor basilica after being elevated by the Vatican.
In a report by CBCP News, the Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption was officially declared last August 15 through the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia.
“The title of minor basilica signifies a closer bond between the local church and the pope, symbolizing communion with the universal Church,” said Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles John Brown.
“You are now under the shade of Peter and the mantle of Mary,” he furthered.
Brown noted that the pilgrims, who will visit the newly designated basilica, may receive plenary indulgence.
“We urge the faithful to make the basilica a sacred place and a center of prayer and liturgy so that whoever enters will feel the mercy and compassion of Christ,” said Brown.
Built in 1765 atop a hill overlooking the town center, the church was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the Philippine government in 1983.
The church is also recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as one of the four Baroque Churches of the Philippines inscribed as a World Heritage Site.
Minor basilicas are chosen for their historical significance, architectural value, and role as centers of active and pastoral liturgy.
A minor basilica also shares a “particular link” with Rome and the Pope, as outlined by the Dicastery for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments’ document.
The Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption is the second minor basilica of the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia.
The first is the Minor Basilica of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino and Shrine of Santo Cristo Milagroso in Sinait, Ilocos Sur, which was given the title in 2022.
