The Holy Rosary Parish (HRP) in Angeles City officially received today the decree elevating it to the rank of a Minor Basilica, a historic first for Pampanga and only the 30th such title in the Philippines.
The honor was granted by Pope Leo XIV through the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, following the prayers and devotion of the clergy and Kapampangan faithful, as well as the petition of Most Rev. Florentino G. Lavarias, DD, Archbishop of San Fernando.
The decree (Prot. N 39/26) was formally received at the Apostolic Nunciature by Rev. Fr. Manuel Sta. Maria, Parish Priest, together with Rev. Fr. John Henry Yutuc, Parochial Vicar, and HRP resident priests Rev. Fr. Omar Defensor, Rev. Fr. Gian Sagum, and Rev. Fr. Maverick Pelayo.
Fr. Sta. Maria expressed gratitude, calling the elevation a shared testament of faith: “This honor given to us is not only a testament to the Angeleños’ devotion to the Blessed Mother, but also to the Kapampangan’s faith as well.”
The Solemn Declaration of the Minor Basilica will be announced soon.
