MANILA (SE): San Bartolome Church in Malabon City has been declared a minor basilica by the Vatican, becoming the first church in the Diocese of Kalookan to receive such a status, according to CBCP News.
The announcement came on Thursday, October 29, after the diocese received a formal decree from the Vatican’s Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.
The decree, dated September 29, granted the diocese’s petition, which had been endorsed by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.
“The faithful of the Diocese of Kalookan rejoice and give thanks to God for the granting of our petition to the Holy See,” the diocese said in a statement.
Founded by Augustinian missionaries in 1614, San Bartolome is the oldest church in the diocese, according to its parish profile.
Its early history is partly undocumented, but historical accounts describe repeated destruction caused by natural calamities and other misfortunes. A more durable structure was completed in 1813, while the year 1861 appears above the main entrance.
The church suffered extensive damage during the Philippine Revolution in 1898, when its eastern portion was burned, and many valuables were stolen or destroyed. Five altars and a removable silver altar were among the few items that survived, according to the parish profile.
Years later, parish priest, Father Lino Kawili, began renovations but was transferred to Silang, Cavite, following a dispute with the archbishop of Manila. The move reportedly caused resentment among some parishioners.
The parish gradually regained the community’s confidence following the establishment of Malabon Normal School in 1929. Run by the Sisters of Maryknoll, the school helped strengthen local religious life and encouraged fundraising for the church’s rehabilitation.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
In August 2022, the National Museum of the Philippines declared San Bartolome an Important Cultural Property, recognising its historical and cultural significance.
At the time, Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David announced plans to petition the Vatican to grant the church minor basilica status.
The approval marks a milestone for the Diocese of Kalookan, which was established in 2003 according to CBCP News..
