Pope elevates Parañaque shrine to minor basilica

Pope Francis has elevated the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Parañaque City to a minor basilica, marking it as the first such designation within the 22-year-old Diocese of Parañaque.

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) confirmed this news on March 27.

Receiving this honor is seen by the diocese as a profound blessing and a grace from God, highlighting its significance for the national shrine and parish.

Minor basilicas are recognized for their special connection to the pope and the Church of Rome, symbolizing the universality of the Catholic faith.

With this new status, the shrine will be granted privileges like the use of an 'ombrellino' and a 'tintinnabulum,' along with the papal keys on banners and signs.

The National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians houses a century-old image of Mary that was canonically crowned in 2022, further emphasizing its importance within the Catholic community.