Nueva Ecija. INQUIRER FILES
GAPAN CITY, Nueva Ecija, Philippines — Classes at all levels, both in private and public schools, and work in government offices, have been suspended in this city for the solemn declaration of the National Shrine of La Virgen Divina Pastora here as “Basilica Minore,” on Friday, April 26.
In an executive order, Mayor Emary Joy Pascual said the suspension of classes and work in government offices would ensure “public safety and order, effectively manage vehicles and human traffic, as well as reduce congestion, inconvenience and emergencies.”
Pascual noted that a great majority of Roman Catholic faithful from this city and other places are expected to flock here “to express their deep faith.”
READ: Church in Gapan is first minor basilica in Nueva Ecija
Bishop Sofronio Bancud of the Diocese of Cabanatuan earlier announced that Pope Francis has granted the title of minor basilica to the National Shrine of La Virgen Divina Pastora in the northern city of Gapan, the oldest church in the Diocese of Cabanatuan.
This made the shrine the 22nd minor basilica in the Philippines and the first in Nueva Ecija.
“We rejoice heartily because this special blessing was granted to us while the diocese is celebrating its 60th anniversary of its foundation,” Bancud said.
He explained that a “minor basilica is a church that has a particular bond with the pope and the church of Rome and is considered an exemplar in liturgical and pastoral action in the diocese.”