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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marikina Shrine becomes first minor basilica in the Philippines under Pope Leo XIV

Marikina Shrine becomes first minor basilica in the Philippines under Pope Leo XIV

Published May 21, 2025 10:40 am
The Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Paul of the Cross in Marikina City has been officially elevated to the status of a minor basilica—becoming the first church in the Philippines to receive this distinction under the papacy of Pope Leo XIV. (Photo courtesy of the Diocese of Antipolo)
The Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Paul of the Cross in Marikina City has been officially elevated to the status of a minor basilica—becoming the first church in the Philippines to receive this distinction under the papacy of Pope Leo XIV. (Photo courtesy of the Diocese of Antipolo)

The Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Paul of the Cross in Marikina City has been officially elevated to the status of a minor basilica, marking a historic first under the papacy of Pope Leo XIV.

CBCP News, in a post on May 20, announced that the Vatican's Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments issued the decree on May 13, 2025, in response to a petition filed by Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Cruz Santos in December 2024, during the final months of Pope Francis’ pontificate.

The decree was granted just five days after Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as Pope Leo XIV.

The designation makes the shrine the second minor basilica in the Diocese of Antipolo, joining the Basilica of St. John the Baptist in Taytay, which received the same honor in early 2024.

Momentous blessing

Bishop Santos hailed the elevation as a “momentous blessing” and a “sacred recognition” of the shrine’s deep spiritual heritage and the vibrancy of its faith community.

“May this basilica become a haven of prayer, renewal, and spiritual refuge, echoing the love and mercy of God to all who seek Him,” Santos said.

“As we celebrate this divine gift, may we continue to nurture and strengthen our faith, bringing forth the spirit of evangelization in our community,” he added.

Pillar of devotion

Established in 1975, the shrine holds the distinction of being the oldest church in the Philippines dedicated to St. Paul of the Cross.

Initially administered by the Passionist Fathers, its pastoral care was transferred to the Diocese of Antipolo in 2004.

It is also home to the pontifically crowned image of Nuestra Señora de Fátima de Marikina, further highlighting its spiritual significance.

As a minor basilica, the shrine is now uniquely connected to the Pope and the Church of Rome.

It will be distinguished by traditional symbols such as the ombrellino (a red and yellow canopy), the tintinnabulum (a processional bell), and the privilege of using the crossed papal keys on official banners and signage—symbols of its ecclesiastical dignity and universal Catholic unity.

Santos said the two minor basilicas in the Antipolo Diocese stand as pillars of devotion, inviting pilgrims and worshippers “to encounter Christ in a profound and transformative way.”

Related Tags

Marikina Shrine Pope Leo XIV Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Paul of the Cross minor basilica Philippines
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