Official Declaration of St. Paul of the Cross Parish in Marikina City as a Minor Basilica

            Last October 26, 2025, I attended the official declaration of the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Paul of the Cross in SSS Village, Concepcion Dos, Marikina City—within the Diocese of Antipolo—as a Minor Basilica. The parish had submitted its petition to the episcopal conference last year, on the occasion of the 330th birth anniversary of St. Paul of the Cross (1694–2024) and the 50th anniversary of the parish (1974–2024). During its meeting on November 27, 2024, the Permanent Council approved the endorsement of the petition to the Holy See for the elevation of the diocesan shrine and parish to the rank of Minor Basilica.

The main altar

The side altar on the left facing the altar

The papal chair and the ombrellone which are signs of a minor basilica. 

The side altar to the right facing the altar. 

The parish also has a pontifically crowned image of the Our Lady of Fatima. The coronation was done last May 12, 2024.

The Papal Nuncio delivering his homily during the celebration. 

The Papal Nuncio, Bishop Stud Santos of Antipolo and the Shrine Rector Fr. Vicentico Flores. 

The official decree proclaiming the Diocesan Shrine and Parish as a Minor Basilica being handed by the Papal Nuncio to Bp. Santos of Antipolo.

The Shrine Rector and parish priest Fr. Vicentico Flores giving his words of thanks. 

The church was filled with church goers during the official declaration as a Minor Basilica. 

The belltower is a free standing structure in front of the church.