A diocesan shrine in Marikina City is the first minor basilica declared in the Philippines under the papacy of Pope Leo XIV, according to the Vatican on Tuesday.
In a CBCP News report, the elevation recognizes the spiritual significance and active faith of the community of the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Paul of the Cross.
The decree was issued five days after Pope Leo XIV was declared as the 267th head of the Roman Catholic Church.
The petition was filed in December 2024 during the papacy of the late Pope Francis.
It was granted upon the request of Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Cruz Santos.
With its elevation, the Diocese of Antipolo now has two basilicas.
In 2024, the Basilica of St. John the Baptist in Taytay, Rizal received its title.
The shrine was established in 1975. Its pastoral care was turned over to the diocese in 2004 from the Passionist Fathers.
The shrine also houses the pontifically crowned image of the Nuestra Señora de Fatima de Marikina.
Basilicas are granted the privilege of an “ombrellino,” a red and yellow cone-shaped canopy, and a “tintinnabulum,” a bell mounted on a pole that can be carried in processions.
They are also permitted to use the crossed papal keys on banners and signs. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News
