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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Nat'l Shrine of La Virgen Divina Pastora now a minor basilica — CBCP

Nat'l Shrine of La Virgen Divina Pastora now a minor basilica — CBCP

Published Jan 23, 2024 10:38 am

The oldest church in the Diocese of Cabanatuan in Nueva Ecija, the National Shrine of La Virgen Divina Pastora has been granted the title of minor basilica by Pope Francis.

372767473_618501047131476_7728043080906344901_n-1536x1024.jpeg
 Photo from the NATIONAL SHRINE OF LA VIRGEN DIVINA PASTORA

In a released statement on Tuesday, Jan. 23, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) announced that it was now the 22nd minor basilica in the country.

They added it is also the “first” in the entire province of Nueva Ecija, which has two ecclesial territories, including the Diocese of San Jose.

“A minor basilica is a church that has a particular bond with the pope and the church of Rome, and is considered as an exemplar in liturgical and pastoral action in the diocese,” Bishop Sofronio Bancud of Cabanatuan said on Monday, Jan. 22.

The elevation, according to him, was a "special blessing" granted to the Diocese of Cabanatuan as it also celebrates its 60th anniversary of the canonical coronation of the image of La Virgen Divina Pastora, and the 38th anniversary of the church’s declaration as a national shrine.

The celebration of the church's new title will be held on Apr. 26 this year, with a Mass to be presided over by Archbishop Charles Brown, apostolic nuncio to the Philippines.

Furthermore, the bishop has instructed the new basilica’s rector, Fr. Aldrin Domingo, to ensure that the church is adequately "prepared for this very important occasion.”

The shrine, they noted, was known canonically as the "Three Kings Parish" and was founded by the Augustinian missionaries in 1595.

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Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines CBCP diocese of cabanatuan
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