Pope elevates Marikina church to minor basilica
The newly declared Diocesan Shrine of St Paul of the Cross in Marikina City. PHOTO FROM DIOCESE OF ANTIPOLO
The Vatican has approved the elevation of a Marikina City church to the status of a minor basilica, making it the country’s first to receive the designation under the new Pope.
Granted at the request of Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Cruz Santos, the elevation of the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Paul of the Cross to minor basilica recognizes the spiritual significance and active faith of its community.
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The announcement followed the issuance of a Vatican decree dated May 13 by the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.
The parish-shrine is now among the 26 churches in the country recognized by the Vatican as a minor basilica. Established as a parish in 1975, the shrine is the oldest church in the Philippines dedicated to St. Paul of the Cross.
The honor of minor basilica is given to churches around the world in acknowledgment of their historical or cultural significance, artistic beauty and importance in the life of the Church. —DEXTER CABALZA
