POPE Francis has bestowed upon the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament — popularly known as Sta. Cruz Church in Manila — the title of “Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar.”
An official post on social media said: “With deep joy, praise and gratitude to God Almighty, we announce (that) the Holy Father Pope Francis approved the elevation of Santa Cruz Parish as a Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar.”
However, no date has been set for the formal declaration of Sta. Cruz Church as a minor basilica.
In its report, CBCP News noted that the title given to the church is a rarity, saying only 24 other Philippine churches have been given such an honor.
“Sta. Cruz is now one of only about 25 churches in the country to receive the designation,” said the official news agency of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
When a church is declared a minor basilica, it means it is recognized as a place of worship that carries significant historical, architectural, or spiritual importance.
The title also signifies that the church has a “closer relationship to the pope” and is given the right to display the papal symbol of crossed keys on its banners, furnishings, and seal.
The parish of Sta Cruz was established in 1619, with Jesuit priests ministering to the growing Chinese population in the area.
In 1643, the Jesuits enshrined a replica of Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza from Spain, with Our Lady of the Pillar later becoming the parish’s titular patroness.
The church’s original structure was damaged by two major earthquakes before it was completely destroyed during the Battle of Manila in 1945.
The church’s present structure, which reflects Baroque influences, was completed in 1957.
In 2018, former Manila Archbishop Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle declared the church the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament.
