Ni Itchie G. Cabayan
THE Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of Santo Niño de Tondo will be declared as a minor Basilica this coming May.
The declaration is slated at 2 p.m. on May 11 and according to a social media post of the said church, the solemn eucharistic celebration for the said activity will be led by Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Charles John Brown, DD, along with Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula.
The public is urged to join in the said activity: “Let us come together as one people of God to celebrate this historic moment of grace, deepened devotion, and renewed mission under the loving guidance and protection of the Santo Niño.”
Said title was first given by Pope Leo XIV through a Papal Decree dated November 9, 2025, to the Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of Santo Niño de Tondo.
Built in 1572, the Tondo Church is home to the Santo Niño de Tondo, the second oldest image of the Santo Niño in the Philippines. Its feast is celebrated on the third Sunday of January every year.
A church is recognized as a minor basilica based on its historical, architectural or spiritual importance.
