Vatican designates Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Anne as Minor Basilica

The Vatican has approved the request of the Diocese of Pasig to elevate the decades-old Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Anne in Taguig City into a Minor Basilica, Pasig Bishop Mylo Vergara announced Tuesday.

It will be the first Minor Basilica under the ecclesial jurisdiction of the Diocese of Pasig.

“I wish to announce this great news. The Holy See already approved our request for a decree granting the title of the minor basilica to the Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Anne. Thanks be to God!” said Vergara during a Pontifical Mass in celebration of the Feast of St. Anne.

The bishop also called on their working committee to catechize the whole community on the significance of the title and to involve everyone, including ministries and organizations, in the preparations.

“Ito po ay malaking biyaya sa atin. Ito po ay ang kauna-unahang basilica ng (This is a great blessing to us. This is the first minor basilica in the) Diocese of Pasig. As always, let me assure you of my since and heartfelt support and prayers. Congratulations that in all things God may be glorified,” he said.

According to the CBCP, minor basilicas are traditionally named because of their antiquity, dignity, historical value, architectural and artistic worth, and significance as centers of worship. The bestowal of the title initiates a very particular bond between the basilica and the Pope, it added.—Sundy Locus/AOL, GMA News