Pope Francis has declared St. John the Baptist Parish Church in Taytay, Rizal, a minor basilica, the 23rd in the country but the first in the diocese and in the province.
The Diocese of Antipolo announced the Vatican decision on Jan. 29, just days after it celebrated the declaration of Antipolo Cathedral as an international shrine.
READ: Pope Francis elevates 16th-century church in Taytay to minor basilica
“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,” Bishop Ruperto Santos of Antipolo said in a pastoral message.
The 16th century church is more known as Taytay Church. —DEXTER CABALZA