The Majayjay Church, one of the oldest Spanish-era churches in Laguna province, has been awarded another distinction by the Roman Catholic Church.
According to a CBCP News report, Pope Francis recently designated the Majayjay Church, officially known as the Saint Gregory the Great Parish Church, as a "minor basilica."
The Majayjay Church is the first parish church in Laguna and the Diocese of San Pablo, which holds jurisdiction over the Catholic faithful in the province, to be granted this status.
The Vatican granted the designation in a decree dated Monday, January 25, following a petition submitted by the diocese in December 2024.
Bishop Marcelino Antonio Maralit Jr. of the Diocese of San Pablo called the designation a “wonderful blessing,” especially during the Jubilee Year of Hope.
“This church and parish is a living testimony of faith, hope and love for us. But we need to be mindful that it is also a continuing reminder of our mission together with the Universal Church to bring the Good News to all,” Maralit said.
The CBCP News noted that minor basilicas are typically chosen for their historical significance, architectural value, and role as centers of worship.
According to the 1989 Vatican document Domus ecclesiae, a basilica must “stand out as a center of active and pastoral liturgy” and “set an example for others” in the dignified celebration of the sacraments and devotions.
A minor basilica also shares a “particular link” with Rome and the pope, as outlined by the Dicastery for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments’ document.
Living history
The Majayjay Church, first built in 1575, was one of the earliest churches built in the Philippines during the early days of the Spanish colonization of the Philippines.
First made of nipa and bamboo, the present-day stone church was built between 1616 and 1649 by the Franciscan friars who established a religious mission in the town.
It was continually rebuilt and renovated after it was partially burned in 1660 and suffered damage from typhoons in 1839, 1842 and 1848.
Majayjay Church is one of the Spanish-era churches in the Philippines that was designated as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines, having earned this distinction in 2001.
(With report from CBCP News)
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