Pope Francis elevates 16th-century church in Taytay to minor basilica

SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST – TAYTAY
Image from https://www.rizalprovince.ph/

MANILA, Philippines — Pope Francis elevated a 16th-century church — St. John the Baptist Parish Church — in Taytay, Rizal, to the status of a minor basilica.

According to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), the Diocese of Antipolo announced the Vatican’s decision on Monday.

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“Truly, this elevation to Minor Basilica of the Parish Church of Saint John the Baptist is grace upon grace for us in the Diocese of Antipolo,” said Bishop Ruperto Santos through CBCP

“We acknowledge our responsibility that this minor basilica will always be a channel of God’s overflowing graces, a working instrument of charity to our people, and a welcoming home as we go on our Synodality,” he said.

The CBCP said only 23 churches have been declared a minor basilica in the country

The title is bestowed on churches around the world for their historical and cultural significance, artistic beauty, and importance.

Furthermore, it also signifies a closer relationship with the pope, with the title of major basilica reserved to certain churches in Rome only.

Citing the church’s historical marker, CBCP said the parish’s edifice was constructed by Franciscan missionaries near Laguna Bay in 1579 and was initially made from light materials.

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The church was then relocated to its present site in 1591 due to frequent flooding in the area, and became the first stone church outside Manila.