The Diocese of Antipolo announced the Pope’s decision three days after celebrating the declaration of the International Sanctuary of Our Lady of Good Voyage in the city of Antipolo.
Taytay – Filipinas (29/01/2024 16:20, Gaudium Press) The Diocese of Antipolo, located in the Philippine city of Taytay, has gained its first Minor Basilica, an honour that only 23 churches in the country hold.
Parish Church of St. John the Baptist
The title was granted by the Holy See to the Parish Church of St. John the Baptist, built by Franciscan missionaries near Laguna Bay in 1579. In 1591, due to frequent floods, the temple was transferred to its current location, becoming the first stone church outside Manila.
In 1630, the church was rebuilt. Two years later, the temple’s roof was destroyed by a typhoon. The Augustinian Recollects took over the church in 1864. In 1899, during the Filipino-American War, the temple was set on fire. In 1970, the church underwent a renovation to better accommodate the local population.
A channel of God’s overflowing graces
The Diocese, only 41 years old, announced Pope Francis‘ decision on Monday, the 29th, just three days after celebrating the declaration of the International Sanctuary of Our Lady of Good Voyage in the city of Antipolo.
Truly, this elevation to the Minor Basilica of the Parish Church of St. John the Baptist is grace upon grace for us in the Diocese of Antipolo. We recognize our responsibility for this Minor Basilica to always be a channel of God’s overflowing graces, an instrument of charity work for our people, and a welcoming home as we advance in our synodality,” said Bp. Ruperto Santos. (EPC)
Compiled by Christopher Hurst.
