Archbishop Charles John Brown, the Vatican's Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, on Monday presided over a Mass during which the Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Anne in Taguig City was conferred the status "Minor Basilica."

Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara of the Diocese of Pasig thanked Pope Francis and the Vatican through Archbishop Brown for the elevation of the shrine, a first for the diocese covering Pasig, Taguig and Pateros.

"We know that being granted the title 'Minor Basilica' is a precious gift that comes with a responsibility to strengthen the spiritual life, pastoral works and acts of charity of the parish community," Vergara said.

He added that the community will be guided by the three values of Saint Anne inscribed in her coat of arms: Caritas, Spes, Pietas (Love, Hope, Pious).

In his homily, Archbishop Brown reflected on the newly-instated status of the church and its importance in the pastoral service of the community.

He said all Catholic churches serve as "places of safety where all of us, no matter what background is, no matter what our temptations may be, we are protected because we are in the House of God."

The Vatican approved the elevation of the church as a Minor Basilica last July.

The Saint Anne Parish Church has a rich history following its formation by Augustinian priests in 1587.

It has been declared as a historical site by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines during the celebration of its 400th Founding Year.