The Philippines’ and Asia’s first Antonian church was granted the privilege of “spiritual twinning” with the Pontifical Basilica of St. Anthony in Padua, Italy.
The affinity grant was approved by the Franciscan friars of the basilica on August 6 “in the desire to spread more the devotion of St. Anthony of Padua.”
“In communion of intention and fraternity,” basilica’s rector Father Oliviero Svanera said they will support the pastoral work of the National Shrine of St. Anthony of Padua in Pila, Laguna.
The privilege also means that all indulgences granted in the basilica will be gained in the national shrine.
The Vatican recognizes the basilica as an international shrine where the tomb and the incorrupt tongue of St. Anthony are also venerated.
Devotees around the world visit the basilica asking for the intercession of the revered saint.
In Pila, the church has become a longtime tourist attraction and pilgrimage site and has been “a place of miracles and testimonies of prayers granted through the intercession of St. Anthony.”
Built in 1578, the church was declared a national shrine by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines in April 2019.
In his message for the celebration, Pope Francis greeted the shrine with the words: “Let it be the center of a constant missionary presence.”
