The Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Paul of the Cross in Marikina has been officially elevated to the status of a minor basilica—marking a historic first under the leadership of the newly-elected Pope Leo XIV.
This recognition was granted following a request by Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Cruz Santos, who highlighted the church’s “spiritual significance” and the “active faith” of its parish community.
The formal declaration was announced after the Vatican issued a decree dated May 13, signed by the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, the Catholic Church’s liturgical authority.
With this elevation, the well-loved Marikina parish now joins the ranks of just 26 minor basilicas across the Philippines. Founded in 1975, it also holds the distinction of being the oldest church in the country dedicated to St. Paul of the Cross.
The title of “minor basilica” is a rare honor reserved for churches of historical value, architectural beauty, and strong relevance to the life and mission of the Catholic Church.
