Holy Rosary Parish in Angeles City, Pampanga named 30th minor basilica in PH

The Holy Rosary Parish Church in Angeles City, Pampanga has been named a minor basilica, according to the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) News.

Pope Leo XIV approved the edict in a decree dated Jan. 21, 2026, posted by the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments and received by the parish on Tuesday.

“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,” said parish priest Fr. Manuel Sta. Maria.

The declaration was granted in time for the ceelbration of significant historical milestones for both the Holy Rosary Parish Church and Angeles City, including the 380th anniversary of the Battle of La Naval, the 230th anniversary of the founding of Barrio Culiat — later known as Balen Culiat and now Angeles City — and the 140th anniversary of the first Mass celebrated in Pisamban Maragul.

It is also the first church to be named a minor basilica in the Archdiocese of San Fernando and the 30th minor basilica in the Philippines.

According to the CBCP News, the status of “minor basilica” is a special status granted to churches recognized for historical and architectural significance, as well as strong liturgical and pastoral life.

Minor basilicas are to be considered the “Pope’s Church” and have privileges to display papal symbols and the conopaeum or the ceremonial umbrella. The church also receives the responsibility to celebrate specific feasts of the liturgical year. — Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/BAP, GMA Integrated News