Saint Augustine Parish in Bulacan establishes spiritual bond with Basilica of San Pietro in Italy

The Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Saint Augustine in Baliwag, Bulacan has been granted a Spiritual Bond of Affinity with the Basilica of San Pietro in Ciel D'oro in Pavia, Italy.

A Spiritual Bond between the two churches meant that devotees or visitors of the Saint Augustine Parish would receive the same spiritual benefits as visitors of the Saint Augustine Basilica in Italy. Photo from Ang Batingaw - Saint Augustine Parish Baliwag, Bulacan

According to a statement on Friday, a Spiritual Bond between the two churches meant that devotees or visitors of the Saint Augustine Parish would receive the same "spiritual benefits" as visitors of the Saint Augustine Basilica in Italy.

The Basilica of San Pietro in Pavia, Italy houses the body of Saint Augustine who was canonized in 1298, Augustine is recognized as the patron saint of brewers, printers, and theologians.

"Throughout the centuries, the people of God have found solace and protection in the intercession of Saint Augustine who is the patron of the parish and lovingly referred to as Apo Gusting," according to the plaque Ad Perpetuam Rei Memoriam (for a perpetual record of the matter) presented to the parish.

"Miracles and favors have been reported all these years attibuted to the intercession of the Saint."

The "Spiritual Bond" was granted to the Bulacan church by the Order of Saint Agustine based in Italy in recognition of the centuries-old veneration of Saint Agustine and "in loving admiration of such strong devotion and piety" and acting on the petition of Malolos Bishop Dennis Villarojo.

In response, the Bulacan-based church posted, “Nagpapasalamat ang ating dambana sa Order of Saint Augustine sa isang karangalan at pagkilalang ito sa ating dambana. Viva San Agustin! Viva!”

(The parish thanks the Order of Saint Augustine for this honor and recognition. Viva San Agustin! Viva!) — Jiselle Anne Casucian/BAP, GMA Integrated News