Visiting churches can enhance and deepen the faith.
If you’re planning your Visita Iglesia in Pangasinan this year, there are so many churches to include in your itinerary.
For those who will enrich their souls this Lent by doing their Visita Iglesia on Maundy Thursday, include in your itinerary a visit to the Minor Basilica of Saint Dominic in San Carlos City, Pangasinan.
As a minor basilica, the spiritual benefits that one gain by visiting the papal basilicas will also be received by those visiting the Saint Dominic church.
Declaration as Minor Basilica
The Minor Basilica of Saint Dominic, founded by the early Dominican missionaries in the Philippines, was formally declared a minor basilica by decree of His Holiness Pope Francis on January 14, 2023.
It is the first and only minor basilica in Asia under the patronage of Dominic de Guzman, founder of the Order of Preachers, and the fifth in the world.
First established in 1587, the same year the earliest Dominican missionaries arrived in the Philippines, the present church is a legacy of their missionary work and is now part of the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan, headed by Archbishop Socrates Villegas.
The current brick (ladrillo) church was completed in 1773, used to be the biggest church in the Philippines. It is now 250 years old.
A minor basilica is a church elevated to such status by the Pope in recognition of its importance in the life of the local church, as well as its historical, religious, and cultural significance.
All over the world, there are only four major basilicas, all found in Rome, namely: Saint Mary Major, Saint John Lateran, Saint Paul outside the walls, and of course, the iconic Saint Peter’s on Vatican hill.
The rest are minor basilicas.
Pangasinan is also known for another minor basilica under the care of the Dominicans, the Shrine of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Manaoag, an affiliate of Saint Mary Major.
Things to Do at Minor Basilica
Interested in visiting the Minor Basilica of Saint Dominic, but not sure what to do?
Here are some things you can do during your visit to receive plenary indulgence.
- Participate in the Holy Mass. Mass from Monday to Saturday is at 7a.m. and 5p.m. (at Capilla de San Carlos) while there are seven masses every Sunday: 5a.m., 6a.m., 7a.m., 8a.m., 9a.m., 10a.m., and 5p.m.
- Meditate on the mysteries of the Holy Rosary at the Rosary Chapel.
- Adore the Blessed Sacrament at Capilla de San Carlos. Don’t forget to pray for vocations to the priestly and religious life.
- Light your candles at Candelaria. Don’t forget your departed loved ones and for your needs.
- Touch the replica of Santo Domingo and allow him to touch your life and make you stewards of evangelization.
- Pray for the intentions of Pope Francis. Recite the Apostle’s Creed; pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be; receive the Holy Communion; and make good confession.
City Government of San Carlos
San Carlos Mayor Julier Resuello is optimistic that devotees will troop to the city to pray at the Minor Basilica of Saint Dominic, which to him will soon be another tourist attraction in Pangasinan.
“San Carlos City is very blessed for having the Minor Basilica of Saint Dominic,” he said in an interview. (PIA Pangasinan)
PHILIPPINE INFORMATION AGENCY
Pangasinan Information Center
G/F Astrodome Bldg., Tapuac District, Dagupan City
Telephone Number: (075)-522-1914
