HRP AS MINOR BASILICA
The Holy Father Leo XIV has elevated the Holy Rosary Parish (HRP) in Angeles City to the rank of a Minor Basilica.
The honor was granted through the prayers and wishes of the clergy and the Kapampangan Christian faithful, as well as the petition of the Most Rev. Florentino G. Lavarias, DD, Archbishop of San Fernando. The elevation was granted by the Holy Father through the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.
The Decree (Prot. N 39/26) was received today by Rev. Fr. Manuel Sta. Maria, Parish Priest, along 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 at the Apostolic Nunciature.
Fr. Sta. Maria expressed gratitude, stating that the elevation is a testament shared by the faithful of Angeles to the province. “This honor given to us is not only a testament to the Angeleños’ devotion to the Blessed Mother, but the Kapampangan’s faith as well,” He said.
The Holy Rosary Parish is the first church in Pampanga to be granted such title and only the 30th in the Philippines. The Solemn Declaration of the Minor Basilica will be announced soon.
Photos from L-R: The Holy Rosary Parish’ Retablo (HRP Media), The decree, and the HRP priests with the Apostolic Nuncio
10 February 2025
Feast of St. Scholastica and St. William the Hermit
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