The Catholic Bishop’s Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) announced on Monday, Nov. 18 that Pope Francis has granted the 18th-century Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, the title of minor basilica.
CBCP said the designation recognizes the church’s historical and cultural significance and makes it the second church in the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia to receive this honor.
Built by the Augustinians in 1765, the church became an independent parish in 1769 under the patronage of Our Lady of the Assumption.
The bell tower, added in 1810, was completed with a bell the following year.
In 1822, the church and its convent became a mission center for the Augustinians, supporting outreach to neighboring towns, including Pidigan and La Paz in Abra.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 as part of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines, the church was elevated to an archdiocesan shrine by Archbishop Marlo Peralta in August 2022.
It is currently served by priests from the archdiocese.
The other basilica in the Archdiocese of the Nueva Segovia is the Minor Basilica of St. Nicholas de Tolentino in Sinait, Ilocos Sur.
Across the country, there are about 24 churches, including some cathedrals, that hold the “minor basilica” title, symbolizing a special bond with the pope.