Bishops, clergy, religious, and lay faithful gathered for the solemn proclamation of Holy Rosary Parish in Angeles City as a minor basilica on June 10, 2026. The declaration took place during a Mass presided over by Archbishop Florentino Lavarias of San Fernando, with Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David serving as homilist.
Historic Eucharistic Celebration
The Holy Rosary Parish Church, known locally as Pisamban Maragul, was officially declared a minor basilica in a eucharistic celebration led by San Fernando, Pampanga Archbishop Florentino Lavarias on Wednesday, June 10. The event was attended by Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles John Brown; Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula; and Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David.
The celebration began with a grand entrance procession that included more than 200 bishops, priests, and members of the clergy from various parts of the country. Angeles City First District Congressman Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr., and his brother, Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II, joined church leaders, government officials, and thousands of faithful in witnessing this historic occasion.
Mayor Lazatin’s Remarks
Mayor Lazatin described the elevation of Holy Rosary Parish into a Minor Basilica as a celebration of legacy deeply rooted in the history and identity of Angeles City. “For generations, the Holy Rosary Parish has stood at the very heart of our city—not only as a place of worship, but as a silent witness to the unfolding story of Angeles,” Lazatin said.
The mayor highlighted the church's resilience through wars, earthquakes, typhoons, the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, and the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that Pisamban Maragul has remained a symbol of strength and enduring faith for Angeleños and Kapampangans.
