A parish in Candaba, Pampanga has formalized a spiritual partnership with a historic basilica in Spain, marking a cross-continental effort to deepen Catholic devotion and unity.

The Nuestra Señora de la Merced Parish in Bahay Pare, Candaba, entered into a “spiritual twinning” with the Basilica de la Mercèd in Barcelona, Spain, in a ceremony led by Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles John Brown.

The initiative seeks to unite the two communities under a shared devotion to Our Lady of Mercy, strengthening both faith and cooperation despite geographic distance.

Brown said the partnership goes beyond symbolism and calls for lived faith.

“Today we establish this important link ang connection between your parish here and the famous basilica in Barcelona dedicated to Our Lady of Mercy…. our team for today is rejoicing gratitude and mercy,” he said.

He added that devotion to the Virgin Mary should not remain a mere external ritual, but must lead to acts of mercy, compassion, and service to others.

Parish priest Rev. Fr. John Paul Cabrera echoed this, saying the twinning is meant to be a meaningful spiritual milestone for the community.

“We pray that this occasion will be a true moment of grace mercy for all of us as we continue to honor Mary thorough our mission and apostolate,” he said.

Devotion to Nuestra Señora de la Merced dates back to the 13th century in Spain, where tradition holds that the Virgin Mary appeared to inspire the rescue of captives. The devotion later reached the Philippines in the 18th century and took root in Pampanga through missionaries and reported miracles.

As part of the agreement, the Candaba parish received a “Charter of Spiritual Sisterhood,” symbolizing its special bond with the Barcelona basilica.

Church leaders said the twinning aims to strengthen faith and unity between the two Catholic communities, while reminding the faithful that devotion must be expressed through compassion and service.