POPE Francis has officially designated St. Gregory the Great Parish Church in Majayjay, Laguna, as a minor basilica, marking the first church in the Diocese of San Pablo to receive such an honor.
The Vatican granted the title through a decree dated January 25, 2025, following a petition submitted by the diocese in December 2024, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) reported on Friday.
San Pablo Bishop Marcelino Antonio Maralit Jr. expressed gratitude for the recognition, calling it a “wonderful blessing,” particularly during the Jubilee Year of Hope.
He emphasized that the church serves as a testament to faith, hope, and love, while also reminding the faithful of their mission to spread the Good News globally.
Minor basilicas are selected based on their historical, architectural, and cultural significance, as well as their role in worship.
These churches maintain a special connection with Rome and the pope, as outlined by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments.
Established in 1576, Majayjay Church holds a rich history and has been a sanctuary for Franciscan missionaries. It was built between 1616 and 1649 after undergoing several reconstructions due to damage from fires and other disasters.
The church also served as quarters for American soldiers during the Filipino-American War and underwent a restoration in 1912.
Today, the St. Gregory the Great Parish Church stands as the largest parish church in Laguna and was designated a “National Historical Treasure” by the National Museum of the Philippines for its architectural and historical importance.