The Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur has been elevated formally to a Minor Basilica.
It happened during the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Friday, August 15, 2025.
Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Charles Brown led the solemn rite, which drew large crowds of Catholic devotees. Several bishops and government officials also attended the ceremony.
Pope Francis earlier named the sanctuary as a Minor Basilica, making it the second church in Ilocos Sur with this title.
On February 16, 2022, the St. Nicolas de Tolentino Church and the Shrine of Sto. Cristo Milagroso in Sinait town also received the same designation.
