The Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia celebrated a historic milestone on Aug. 15 with the formal declaration of the Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, as a minor basilica—the second in the province.
The elevation was officially declared during a Mass on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, presided over by Archbishop Charles John Brown, apostolic nuncio to the Philippines.
The liturgy was concelebrated by Archbishop Marlo Peralta of Nueva Segovia, Bishop David William Antonio of Ilagan, and several bishops from Northern Luzon.
They were also joined by over 100 priests and religious, along with thousands of lay faithful and Marian devotees.
In his message, Brown emphasized that the title of minor basilica signifies a closer bond between the local church and the pope, symbolizing communion with the universal Church.
Highlighting the traditional insignia of a basilica, the nuncio referenced the umbraculum — a ceremonial umbrella historically used to shade the pope — as a symbol of unity with the Holy See.
He also reflected on the church’s elevated location as a symbol of Mary’s maternal protection.
The archbishop also shared that Pope Leo XIV gifted papal nuncios with rings inscribed with the Latin phrase Sub umbra Petri—“Under the shadow of Peter.”
“You are now under the shade of Peter and the mantle of Mary,” he told the faithful, adding that pilgrims who visit the newly designated basilica may receive a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions.
Peralta said the archdiocese is now home to two minor basilicas. The first, the Minor Basilica of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino and Shrine of Santo Cristo Milagroso in Sinait, received the designation in 2022.
He said the recognition reflects the enduring devotion of the people to Christ and the Blessed Mother and reminded the faithful that the basilica must not only be a center of prayer and devotion but also a hub of charity
“Christian faith must bear fruit through charity,” he emphasized.
In his homily, Antonio — a former auxiliary bishop of Nueva Segovia — said the elevation is not a reward, but a call to mission.
He urged the faithful to make the basilica a sacred place and a center of prayer and liturgy so that whoever enters will feel the mercy and compassion of Christ.
Built in 1765 atop a hill overlooking the town center, the church was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the Philippine government in 1983.
The church is also recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as one of the four Baroque Churches of the Philippines inscribed as a World Heritage Site.
