‘Pisamban Maragul’ in Pampanga elevated to minor basilica

LANDMARK OF FAITH The Holy Rosary Parish Church, locally known as “Pisamban Maragul” (Big Church), in Angeles City, Pampanga, has been elevated to the status of a minor basilica by Pope Leo XIV, recognizing its historical, cultural, and spiritual significance. —JUN A. MALIG

ANGELES CITY—Pope Leo XIV has elevated the Holy Rosary Parish Church here, known locally as “Pisamban Maragul” (Big Church), to the status of a minor basilica.

In an official announcement on Tuesday, the Holy Rosary Parish Church said Rev. Fr. Manuel Sta. Maria, the parish priest, and other priests received the decree of elevation at the Apostolic Nunciature.

“With great joy and profound thanksgiving, we announce that the Holy See, through the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, has granted the Decree of Elevation to the rank of Minor Basilica to Holy Rosary Parish (Pisamban Maragul), Angeles City, Pampanga,” the parish said.

The church described the elevation as a momentous occasion, coinciding with several significant milestones.

“This year marks the 380th anniversary of the Battle of La Naval, the 230th anniversary of the founding of Barrio Culiat (later Balen Culiat, now Angeles City), and the 140th anniversary of the first Holy Mass celebrated in Pisamban Maragul,” it said.

The date for the solemn declaration rite will be announced soon.

According to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Pope Leo XIV granted the elevation through a decree dated Jan. 21, following a petition by the Archdiocese of San Fernando.

“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 CBCP said.

San Fernando Archbishop Florentino Lavarias submitted the petition, citing the parish’s strong liturgical life and Marian devotion.

Communal devotion

Sta. Maria highlighted the communal devotion reflected in the honor

“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,” he said.

The CBCP explained that a minor basilica is a church granted special status by the pope for historical significance, strong liturgical life, and importance as a center of worship. Such churches may display papal symbols like the crossed keys and “conopaeum” (ceremonial umbrella) and are expected to model exemplary liturgical practices.

The Archdiocese of San Fernando said the honor was granted through the prayers and support of clergy and Kapampangan faithful.

Local historian Robby Tantingco, director of the Holy Angel University Center for Kapampangan Studies, said Holy Rosary is now the first minor basilica in Pampanga, the 30th in the Philippines, and one of about 2,000 worldwide.