Pope Leo XIV has elevated Holy Rosary Parish Church in Angeles City to a minor basilica, the first in the Archdiocese of San Fernando.
The elevation was granted through a decree dated Jan. 21, 2026, from the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, following a formal petition by the archdiocese.
Archbishop Florentino Lavarias of San Fernando submitted the petition last year, citing the parish’s strong liturgical life and long-standing Marian devotion.
The decree was received Tuesday, Feb. 10, at the Apostolic Nunciature in Manila by parish priest Fr. Manuel Sta. Maria, along with other priests serving the parish.
Sta. Maria said the honor reflects a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother shared not only by parishioners but by the wider Kapampangan community.
“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,” Sta. Maria said.
The parish said the elevation coincides this year with several significant historical milestones for both the church and the city.
These include 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.
A minor basilica is a church granted special status by the pope in recognition of its historical significance, strong liturgical life and importance as a center of worship.
Such churches are given particular privileges, including the right to display the papal symbols of the crossed keys and the conopaeum, or ceremonial umbrella, and are expected to model exemplary liturgical practices.
Church officials said a solemn declaration of the parish’s new status, making it the 30th minor basilica in the Philippines, will be announced soon.
