Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco said the declaration of the Santuario de San Pedro Bautista in Quezon City as a "minor basilica" is not only an honor and privilege but also carries with it the obligation to serve.

"Becoming a minor basilica is not only about its historical and patrimonial importance. More than anything, it is a recognition of its special role in mission and evangelization," the prelate said during the solemn declaration of the parish church as a minor basilica Monday.

"As a minor basilica, the community, led by its pastor, is challenged more than ever to seek new ways of service, to be steadfast in evangelization, and to constantly provide a space where the sacraments may continue to nourish," added Ongtioco.

It is also the hope of the prelate that the newly declared minor basilica will continue to be a place for rest and healing especially during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Our gathering today comes in the midst of a pandemic and our patience may be worn out by this present situation. We might even be inclined to complain in desperation but we are invited to come to this place, this place of rest," Ongtioco said.

"This has always been a place of rest and healing for troubled souls and it will continue to be," he added.

It was last July when the Diocese of Cubao announced that Pope Francis has bestowed on the Franciscan-run Santuario de San Pedro Bautista the title and dignity of a minor basilica.

According to the Cubao diocese, a minor basilica is a church granted with special ecclesiastical privileges by the Pope.

It said the status is usually given to churches because of their antiquity, historical value, architectural worth, and significance as centers of worship.

The shrine, one of the oldest churches in the country, is the second minor basilica in the diocese next to the Minor Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.