Pope Francis declares Taytay church a minor basilica

Pope Francis declares Taytay’s St. John the Baptist Parish Church a minor basilica | Photo from St. John the Baptist Parish Church/Facebook

St. John the Baptist Parish Church in San Isidro, Taytay, Rizal is now officially a minor basilica. The announcement from the Vatican came just three days after the celebration of the declaration of the International Shrine of Our Lady of Good Voyage in Antipolo City.

Informally called the Taytay Church, St. John the Baptist Parish Church falls under the Diocese of Antipolo.

Built in 1579 near Laguna de Bay, the church was constructed by Franciscan missionaries initially out of light materials. However, due to frequent flooding, it was relocated to its current location in 1591. Later in 1630, it was rebuilt in stone. 

The church has survived many natural and man-made disasters, including a typhoon that destroyed its roof in 1632 and a fire that damaged it during the Filipino-American War in 1899.

The title of minor basilica is granted to churches of historical and architectural value which have “particular importance for the liturgical and pastoral life” of some place.

According to minorbasilica.org, “in essence, [minor basilicas] are the Pope’s Church in some place around the world. Minor Basilicas are specifically tasked with celebrating the feasts of the liturgical year with great care and attention.”

In the Philippines, there are only 24 minor basilicas. Meanwhile, the title major basilica is reserved for certain churches in Rome, namely St. Peter’s, St. John Latteran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls.

“Truly, this elevation to Minor Basilica of the Parish Church of St. John the Baptist is grace upon grace for us in the Diocese of Antipolo,” said Bishop Ruperto Santos. “We acknowledge our responsibility that this minor basilica will always be a channel of God’s overflowing graces, a working instrument of charity to our people, and a welcoming home as we go on our Synodality,” he said.