Proclamation of Manaoag Church as Basilica Minore, Feb. 17
MANAOAG—The town’s church and police officials already have their hands full preparing for the arrival of some expected 700,000 devotees and pilgrims to witness the formal proclamation of the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary here as Basilica Minore on February 17.
Father Jerry Manlangit, superior/prior of the convent at the Shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag, said Friday that, “I’m sure people will be coming in droves…since it is a shrine, basilica where they can enjoy the peace and tranquility.”
Three cardinals, namely, Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales and the Papal Nuncio Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto and around 50 bishops and 160 priests will gather for the proclamation.
Triduum Masses and procession will be held on three successive days to prepare the people for the grand celebration and on the fourth day is the solemn proclamation.
Preparing the pathway to the Basilica Minore
Caceres Archbishop Rolando Tria-Tirona, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma and Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles will preside over the Triduum Masses on February 14, 15 and 16 respectively.
Months prior to the papal visit to the Philippines, Pope Francis has given the title Minor Basilica to the Marian Shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag.
Manlangit said the Manaoag Basilica has been granted plenary indulgence which means “all your sins are remitted” provided the person goes to confession, receives the Holy Communion and attends Holy Mass. ”That is a special grace given by Vatican. Not all churches would have that,” he added.
Manlangit said town’s name echoes the voice of Mama Mary as the Lady who calls, from the Pangasinan word “mannawag”, which means to call, to build a church and bring together people.
Chief Inspector Edison Revita, police chief, said Friday that he has coordinated with the police hierarchy, Armed Forces of the Philippines and other force multipliers to control the crowd movements.
Last Holy Week observance, crowd estimate that came here reached a million, Revita said.—(Tita Roces)
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