A local church can only become a basilica upon declaration of the Pope through a Papal Brief. Once a church is declared a basilica, the basilica status remains forever and can never be lost. The title of a basilica is an honor given by the Pope to religious buildings or churches that are distinguished for their special spiritual, historical, and architectural significance. A basilica is a highly significant edifice chosen by the Pope for greatness. Basilicas enjoy certain privileges including the right to reserve its high altars for the Pope, the use of the papal umbraculum insignia, the use of tintinnabulum or a bell signifying association with the Pope, and lastly, the use of cappa magna which is a special liturgical vestment.
A basilica can either be a major or a minor one. There are only 4 major basilicas in the christiandom and they are all located in Italy. All other basilicas are minor basilicas. As of this writing, there are 19 minor basilicas in the Philippines out of 63 minor basilicas all over the Asian continent. The 19 basilicas in the Philippines are located in NCR with 6 basilicas, Region 1 with 4 basilicas, Region 2 with 1 basilica, Region 3 with 3 basilicas, Region 4 with 3 basilicas, Region 5 with 1 basilica, and Region 7 with 1 basilica. Hence, there are 18 basilicas in Luzon, 1 basilica in Visayas, and none in Mindanao.
Basilicas in the National Capital Region
1. San Sebastian Minor Basilica, Quiapo, Manila (Decreed 1890)
The Minor Basilica of San Sebastian is the oldest basilica in the Philippines which was decreed on June 24, 1890 by Pope Leo XIII. The basilica is also a shrine and a parish served the Augustinian Recollects under the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Manila. San Sebastian Church is the only steel church in the Philippines and in Southeast and East Asia. It was listed as a National Historical Landmark in 1973 and a National Cultural Treasure in 2011. The basilica houses the canonically crowned image of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. The church as seen today was originally constructed in 1891. The materials used in construction the San Sebastian steel church were imported from Belgium. It is believed that Gustave Eiffel, the famed Parisian who built Eiffel Tower, is the actual architect of San Sebastian Minor Basilica.
2. Manila Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Minor Basilica, Intramuros, Manila (Decreed 1981)
The Manila Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is the seat of the Archdiocese of Manila and was decreed as a minor basilica by Pope Paul II’s own moto proprio on April 27, 1981. The cathedral houses the bronze statue of the Immaculate Conception enthroned above the high altars of the church. Manila cathedral is not a parish church as San Agustin church is the parish church in Intramuros where the jurisdiction of the basilica is located. However, Manila cathedral is regarded as the Mother Church of the Philippines. The cathedral as seen today is the 8th structure of the church which was finished in 1958.
3. Quiapo Church of the Black Nazarene Minor Basilica, Quiapo, Manila (Decreed 1987)
The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazane is perhaps the most visited basilica in the Philippines. Quiapo church, as it is normally called, is the home of the miraculous image of the Black Nazarene. On its feast day, the basilica attracts millions of devotees to join the traslacion which normally takes an average of 12 hours. Quiapo church is a parish church dedicated to St. John the Baptist. The church was decreed as a minor basilica by Pope John Paul II on December 11, 1987, a year after the construction was completed. Quiapo church is served by the secular clergy under the Archdiocese of Manila. The church as seen today was originally built in 1933 and was enlarged in 1984.
4. Binondo Church of San Lorenzo Ruiz Minor Basilica, Binondo, Manila (Decreed 1992)
The National Shrine and Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz Minor, or Binondo church, is a parish formerly dedicated in honor of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary but was re-dedicated to San Lorenzo Ruiz upon his canonization. The young Lorenzo Ruiz, born of a Chinese father and a Filipina mother, served and trained in Binondo Church prior to his lay missionary works in Japan where he died as a martyr together with his companions. Binondo church is located in the heart of Manila’s Chinatown was built by the Dominican Friars to serve the Chinese community who converted to Christianity. Binondo church was decreed as a minor basilica by Pope John Paul II on July 23, 1992. The church as seen today was constructed in 1971 after the 18th century edifice was completely bombed in 1944.
5. National Shrine of Our Lady of Mt Carmel Minor Basilica, New Manila, Quezon City (Decreed 2018)
The National Shrine and Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, or Mt. Carmel Basilica, is a parish and a shrine of the canonically crowned image of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. Mt. Carmel Basilica is perhaps the most popular wedding church in this list. It is located in New Manila where lots of religious congregations and houses are located. The church as seen today was constructed in 1964. Mt. Carmel New Manila, as it is commonly called, is served by the Order of Discalced Carmelites under the Diocese of Cubao. The National Shrine of Mt. Carmel was decreed as a minor basilica by Pope Francis on November 2018.
6. Santuario De San Pedro Bautista Minor Basilica, Frisco, Quezon City (Decreed 2020)
The Parish and Shrine of San Pedro Bautista, popularly known as San Francisco Del Monte Church, is dedicated in honor of its founder and patron saint, Fr. Pedro Bautista, a Spaniard Franciscan missionary who was martyred in Japan. The shrine of San Pedro Bautista is served by the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor under the Diocese of Cubao and was decreed on July 9, 2020 as a Minor Basilica by Pope Francis.
7. St. Anne Minor Basilica, Taguig City (Decreed 2022)
Basilicas in Region 1 – Ilocos Region
8. Agoo Church of Our Lady of Charity Minor Basilica, Agoo, La Union (Decreed 1982)
The Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Charity, Apo Caridad for the locals, is a parish and a shrine of the canonically crowned miraculous image of Our Lady of Charity. The parish however is dedicated in honor of Santa Monica and not to Our Lady of Charity or Apo Caridad. The Agoo church as seen today was constructed and consecrated in 1978 but was renovated after the 1990 earthquake that destroyed its 1893 bell tower. The basilica’s unusual two un-identical bell towers on both ends of the façade can be easily noticed. On the left is a 4-level hexagonal tower and on the right tower is a bell gable. The architectural design features a Mexican-baroque style of architecture. Agoo church was decreed a basilica by Pope John Paul II on July 15, 1982. Agoo Basilica is served by secular clergy under the Diocese of San Fernando, La Union.
9. Manaoag Church of Our Lady of the Rosary Minor Basilica, Manaoag, Pangasinan (Decreed 2015)
The Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, or Manaoag Basilica, is a parish and a shrine of the canonically crowned miraculous image of Our Lady of Manaoag. The Manaog Basilica is canonically affiliated with St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome with a special bond of spiritual affinity in perpetuity which grants pilgrims the same blessings and entitlement to plenary indulgence similar to what one gets when visiting the papal basilica in Rome. The church as seen today is a renovation of the old church which was completed in 2012. The Manaoag basilica is served by the Dominican Friars under the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan. The Manaoag church was decreed a minor basilica by Pope Francis on February 17, 2015.
10. Badoc Church of St. John the Baptist Minor Basilica, Badoc, Ilocos Norte (Decreed 2018)
The Minor Basilica of St. John the Baptist, or Badoc church, is a parish and a shrine of the canonically crowned miraculous image of La Virgen Milagrosa De Badoc. The miraculous image of Virgen Milagrosa De Badoc shares the same story with the miraculous image of Christ in Sinait Basilica. The church as seen today is a renovation of the 17th century edifice. Badoc Basilica is served by secular clergy from the Diocese of Laoag. Pope Francis decreed Badoc church to become a basilica on November 30, 2018, the same year the image of La Virgen Milagrosa De Badoc was canonically crowned.
11. Sinait Church of St. Nicholas de Tolentino Minor Basilica, Sinait, Ilocos Sur (Decreed 2021)
The Minor Baslica of St. Nicholas De Tolentino, or Sinait church, is a parish and a shrine of the miraculous image of Christ known as El Santo Cristo Milagroso. El Santo Cristo Milagroso shares the same historical accounts with the La Virgen Milagrosa de Badoc of Badoc Basilica. The church as seen today is a renovation of a 1598 edifice making Sinait church one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. The Basilica Menor de San Nicolas de Tolentino, Santuario de Santo Cristo is served by the Augustinian Recollects under the Metropolitan Archidiocese of Nueva Sogovia. Pope Francis elevated Sinait church into a basilica minore on September 10, 2021 but because of the Covid19 pandemic, the solemn ceremony was done on February 16, 2022. The Basilica Menor de San Nicolas de Tolentino, Santuario de Santo Cristo is the newest basilica in the Philippines as of 2022.
12. St. Dominic De Guzman Basilica, San Carlos City, Pangasinan (Elevated 2022)
Basilica in Region 2 – Cagayan Valley
13. Piat Church of Our Lady of Piat Minor Basilica, Piat, Cagayan (Decreed 1987)
The Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Piat, or Apo Baket as the locals would call it, is a parish and a shrine of the canonically crowned miraculous image of the Black Madonna known as Our Lady of Piat. The Piat Basilica is the epicenter of Marian pilgrimages in northern Philippines. The basilica faces Cagayan River hence, the main door of the church is located at the back and not on the entrance arch. Piat basilica has a red brick façade flanked by a 6-level bell tower. The interiors have wood ceilings with carvings depicting the history of the miraculous image of Piat. The Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Piat is served by secular clergy from the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Tuguegarao. Piat church was elevated into a basilica minore by Pope John Paull II on March 10, 1997.
Basilicas Region 3 – Central Luzon
14. Malolos Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Minor Basilica, Malolos City, Bulacan (Decreed 1999)
The Malolos Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, or commonly referred to as Malolos Cathedral, is home of the canonically crowned miraculous image of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception. The cathedral-basilica is the seat of the Diocese of Malolos. The church as we see it today was constructed in 1883 and renovation was completed on 1976. The predominant feature of the basilica is its semi-circular arches in the façade as well as its 4-storey bell tower. The architecture style of Malolos cathedral is said to be neoclassical as evidenced by the symmetrical placement of its columns. The Malolos cathedral is served by secular clergy from the Diocese of Malolos and was decreed as Malolos Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception on April 9, 1999 by Pope John Paul II.
15. Orani Church of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Minor Basilica, Orani, Bataan (Decreed 2019)
The Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary in Orani, or Simbahan ng Orani as locals could commonly call, is a parish and a shrine of the canonically crowned miraculous image of Our Lady of the Rosary of Orani or Virgen Milagrosa Del Rosario de Orani. The Orani Basilica is canonically affiliated with St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome with a special bond of spiritual affinity in perpetuity. Pilgrims of the church are granted the same blessings and entitlement to plenary indulgence similar to what one gets when visiting the papal basilica in Rome. Rome elevated Orani church into a minor basilica on September 5, 2019. The Minor Basilica of Orani is served by the secular clergy of the Diocese of Balanga.
16. Sta. Maria Church of Our Lady of La Purisima Concepcion Minor Basilica, Sta. Maria, Bulacan (Decreed 2021)
The Minor Basilica of La Purisima Concepcion, or Sta Maria Church, is the home of the canonically crowned miraculous image of La Purisima Concepcion. Sta Maria celebrates the feast day of La Purisima Concepcion using a different date. Instead of the usual December 8 celebration of the Immaculate Conception, Sta. Maria celebrates the feast day of La Purisma Concepcion every first Thursday of February. It s believed that the locals adjusted the celebration in time for the return of the image to the municipality after having been stolen in 1930. The image of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception or La Purisima Conception in Sta Maria was canonically crowned on 2020 and the church was elevated by Vatican into a basilica minore on March 21, 2021. Sta Maria Basilica is served by the secular clergy of the Diocese of Malolos.
Basilicas in Region 4A – CALABARZON
17. Batangas Church of the Immaculate Conception Minor Basilica, Batangas City, Batangas (Decreed 1948)
The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Batangas City, or simply basilica for the locals, is the home of the soon to be canonically crowned image of the Immaculate Conception. Vatican granted pontifical coronation to the La Inmaculada Concepcion de Batangas but the ceremonies will be done on December 8, 2022. The Batangas Basilica is also a parish and a shrine dedicated to the revered Sto. Nino De Batangan. The Batangas church as we see it today is a renovation of a 1792 edifice. The interior of the church is adorned with frescoes that were restored by a local artist. The basilica has a silver painted dome and a 3-storey bell tower. Batangas basilica is served by the clergy of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Lipa. It was elevated by Pope Pius XII into a minor basilica in 1948 making Batangas basilica the second church in the Philippines granted a basilica status.
18. Taal Church of St. Martin of Tours Minor Basilica, Taal, Batangas (Decreed 1954)
The Minor Basilica of San Martin De Tours in Taal, or simply Taal basilica, is the largest church in the Philippines and the whole of Asia. It is also ranked as the 26th largest churches in the world, two notches below the Basilica of Sagrada Familia in Spain. The Taal church as seen today was constructed in 1856 but was restored in 1953. The façade of Taal Basilica of St. Martin De Tours somewhat resembles to St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican. Its interiors resemble a Latin cross with wide aisles. The sides of the church are decorated with small retablos and carosas. Taal Basilica is served by the clergy of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Lipa. It was elevated by Pope Pius XII into a minor basilica in 1954 making Taal Basilica the third church in the Philippines granted a basilica status.
19. Tayabas Church of St. Michael De Archangel Minor Basilica, Tayabas City, Quezon (Decreed 1988)
The Minor Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel in Tayabas City, or Tayabas Basilica, has the longest nave among all Spanish built churches in the Philippines at 103 meters long. St. Pedro Bautista, in whose honor the Minor Basilica of San Pedro Bautista in Quezon City is dedicated, served as a priest in Tayabas and has renovated the church in 1590. The church is built in the shape of a key hence the moniker, Susi ng Tayabas or Key of Tayabas. The design of Tayabas church fallows baroque architecture though Chinese architectural influence is evident with lions and drums as part of the design of the façade. The facade has 3 levels with various arches or niches of saints with St. Michael the Archangel on top most arch. Tayabas Basilica is served by the clergy of the Dicoese of Lucena. It was elevated by Pope John Paul II into a minor basilica on October 18, 1988 making it the first basilica in the Diocese of Lucena.
Basilicas in Region 5 – Bicol Region
20. Penafrancia Church of Our Lady of Penafrancia Minor Basilica, Naga City, Camarines Sur (Decreed 1985)
The National Shrine and Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Peñafrancia in Naga City, or Peñafrancia as the locals would call, is the home of the canonically crowned miraculous image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. The Basilica of Peñafrancia should not be confused with Naga Cathedral as they are not the same. The church as seen today was built in 1981. Though slowly deteriorating because of poor construction, the church is however little by little being repaired. The Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Peñafrancia is served by the clergy from the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Careces (Naga City). It was elevated by Vatican into a minor basilica on May 2, 1985 making it the first and the only basilica in the Bicol region.
Basilicas in Region 7 – Central Visayas
21. Basílica Menor del Santo Niño de Cebu, Cebu City (Decreed 1965)
The National Shrine and Minor Basilica of Sto. Nino de Cebu, or Cebu Basilica, is the home of the only canonically crowned image of Christ in the Philippines and outside Europe, the Santo Niño de Cebu. There are only 6 canonically crowned images of Christ in the world and the miraculous image of Santo Nino de Cebu is the latest to be crowned in 1965. The church as seen today was built in 1739 and was designated in 1965 by Vatican as the Mother and Head of all Churches in the Philippines. Established in 1565, the Cebu church is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines. The Cebu Basilica should not be confused with Cebu Cathedral as they are not the same. The Minor Basilica of Sto. Nino de Cebu is served by the Augustinian Friars under the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Cebu. It was elevated by Vatican into a minor basilica on April 1, 1965 making it the first and the only basilica in the outside Luzon.
Post Note
There are almost 1700 basilicas in the world with India having the most number of basilicas in Asia with 23. Italy has 573 basilicas while France has 168, Spain has 123, and Poland has 105 basilicas. Outside Rome, the city with the most number of basilicas is Buenos Aires with 15 basilicas.
Dominic Rielo Amayun 