Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of Manaoag

Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag

The Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag is a church located atop a hill in the small town of Manaoag, Pangasinan. Administered by the Order of Preachers within the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan, the church holds significant importance as a prominent pilgrimage site in the country.

In 1600, the first chapel of Santa Monica, which was the original name of Manaoag, was constructed by the Augustinians. This chapel was situated at the present graveyard location. Initially, it was tended to by the friars from the town of Lingayen. However, in 1605, the Dominicans took over and also started doing mission in Mangaldan, a town 9 km away from Santa Monica.

The altar inside the Manaoag Church

In a proclamation ceremony held on February 17, 2015, the shrine was bestowed the esteemed status of a Minor Basilica. This significant event was attended by over 100 archbishops and bishops, distinguished leaders from the church and government, as well as thousands of devoted followers.

The basilica also serves as the sacred home for the revered miraculous image of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag, affectionately referred to Apo Baket by the locals. This 17th-century ivory and silver statue was transported to the Philippines from Spain through the Manila galleon trade, originating from Acapulco, Mexico, during the early 17th century. It was brought by Padre Juan de San Jacinto, first Dominican priest to work in the Manaoag mission..

The venerated image of Our Lady of Manaoag

On August 25, 1925, Pope Pius XI granted a canonical coronation to the image. The actual coronation ceremony occurred on April 21, 1926. Furthermore, on June 21, 2011, Pope Benedict XVI elevated the sanctuary of the image, granting it equal indulgences as the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome. The shrine is the first church to have this status in the Philippines. Under this Marian title, the Blessed Virgin Mary is revered as the patroness of the sick, helpless, and needy. The image is celebrated twice a year: on the third Wednesday after Easter and the first Sunday of October.

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