Sta. Cruz Parish Church in Manila now a minor basilica

The Archdiocesan Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament Church of Our Lady of the Pillar in Sta. Cruz, Manila, has been elevated to the status of a minor basilica.

Pope Francis has granted the church the honorific title of Minor Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pilar.

The announcement coincided with the Installation Mass of Rev. Fr. Marc Bryan Adona as the new rector and parish priest, held on the Solemnity of the Annunciation.

Manila Archbishop Jose F. Cardinal Advincula formally installed Adona as rector and parish priest of the church on 25 March.

The church was originally established in 1619 by Jesuit priests to minister to the growing Chinese population in the area.

Nationwide, there are about 25 churches, including some cathedrals, that carry the "minor basilica" designation.

According to the Association of Catholic Shrines and Pilgrimages of the Philippines, the title "represents a bond between the institution and the pope."