CABANATUAN CITY – The National Shrine of La Virgen Divina Pastora in Gapan City, Nueva Ecija has been granted the title of “minor basilica” by Pope Francis.
The centuries-old church is the first minor basilica in the province of Nueva Ecija, Cabanatuan Bishop Sofronio Bancud told the faithful.
“A minor basilica is a church that has a particular bond with the Pope and the Church of Rome and is considered as an exemplar in liturgical and pastoral action in the diocese,” the prelate said in a letter dated Jan. 22. A solemn celebration for the granting of the title has been slated at 9 a.m. on April 26.
“The celebration will be highlighted with the Holy Eucharist which will be presided by His Excellency, Archbishop Charles John Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, together with the bishops of the Philippines, clergy, consecrated persons, pilgrims and devotees of La Virgen Divina Pastora, and the faithful of the Diocese of Cabanatuan,” Bancud said.
The celebration coincides with the 60th anniversary of the canonical coronation of the image of La Virgen Divina Pastora and the 30th anniversary of the declaration of the church as a national shrine.
Bancud directed Rev, Fr. Aldrin Domingo, rector of the new basilica, to ensure that the faithful are properly catechized and the church specially prepared for “this very important occasion.”
He stressed that per the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of Sacraments, Domus Ecclesiae, dated Nov. 9, 1989, “the day on which the concession of the title of basilica to a certain church is publicly announced should be prepared for and observed in a festive way with the appropriate sermons, prayer vigils, and other celebrations, all taking place not only on the days immediately preceding the proclamation of the title but also on those immediately afterwards.”
“We rejoice heartily because this special blessing was granted to us while the diocese is celebrating its 60th founding anniversary. May La Virgen Divina Pastora continue to guide us and lead us to Jesus, the Good Shepherd,” Bancud said.
