Santo Niño church in Tondo official declaration as Minor Basilica set in May 2026

The official declaration of the Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of Santo Niño in Tondo, Manila as a Minor Basilica has been scheduled for May 2026.

In the official announcement posted by the parish, the ceremony wil take place at 2 p.m. on May 11, 2026.

"The Solemn Eucharistic celebration will be presided over by His Excellency Charles John Brown, DD, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, together with His Eminence Jose F. Cardinal Advincula, DD, Archbishop of Manila, and the concelebrating priests and prelates," the parish said.

The decree declaring that the church a minor basilica was issued on November 9, 2025, which is also the feast day of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome.

"The decree was received with deep joy and gratitude by Rev. Msgr. Geronimo F. Reyes, JCD, Rector and Parish Priest, on behalf of the clergy, religious, and faithful of the parish. This meaningful moment marks the official transmission of the Holy Father’s decree an important step in the journey toward our new title as a Minor Basilica," according to the statement.

According to a report posted on the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) website, the parish was founded in 1572 and "considered the first parish church in the Luzon region, with Tambobong (Malabon), Caloocan, Betis in Pampanga, and Calumpit in Bulacan as its early vesitas."

"The church is also home to the second-oldest image of the Santo Niño in the country, after the Santo Niño de Cebu," the report added.

The CBCP report explained that "a basilica is a church given special recognition by the pope, often for its beauty, historical significance or importance to the faith."

The parish church is inviting the faithful to attend the ceremony in May, saying, "Let us come together as one people of God to celebrate this historic moment of grace, deepened devotion, and renewed mission under the loving guidance and protection of the Santo Niño." — BAP, GMA Integrated News