Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula and Diocese of Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Santos led the solemn declaration of Taytay Church in Rizal as a minor basilica on Tuesday, July 9.
The first minor basilica in the Diocese of Antipolo and in Rizal Province and the 23rd in the country, the popular pilgrimage site will now be officially known as the Minor Basilica and Parish of Saint John the Baptist.
In his welcome message, Bishop Santos encouraged the faithful to follow the example of humility of San Juan Bautista.
“We share our happiness and humbly offer it to all of you. Together, we receive God’s continuous blessings and extend to be a blessing to others. Unitedly, we express our gratitude to God for this amazing grace and proclaim His goodness, faithfulness, and love,” said Bishop Santos.
“It is now our gift to give to the Universal Church. It is a wonderful grace for us and our responsibility to show that we are like our patron saint John the Baptist who said: ‘He must increase, but I must decrease’ (John 3:30). That is for us to sacrifice, to serve, and to save others rather than ourselves. That we are ready to submit ourselves to God rather than surrender ourselves to power, positions and possessions,” stressed Bishop Santos.
Prior to the solemn declaration ceremony, officials of the Taytay Municipal Government and Rizal Provincial Government hosted a civic reception to welcome Cardinal Advincula with Bishop Santos and basilica rector Fr. Pedrito Noel Rabonza III.
Diocese of Antipolo Auxiliary Bishop Nolly Buco, Antipolo Bishop Emeritus Francisco de Leon, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines vice president Pasig Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara, other Church leaders, members of the clergy of the Antipolo diocese and other dioceses and representatives of lay groups also attended the event.
Pope Francis declared the Taytay Church as a minor basilica on Jan. 29 this year.