Holy Rosary Parish in Angeles City, Now a Minor Basilica

by Joel V. Ocampo

The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has elevated the Holy Rosary Parish, also known as “Pisamban Maragul” in Angeles City to the rank of Minor Basilica, the first in the Archdiocese of San Fernando. The announcement was made public on February 10, 2026, while the title was bestowed by the Vatican in a Papal Decree dated January 21, 2026, from the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, following a formal petition by the archdiocese. Rev. Fr. Manuel C. Sta. Maria, the parish priest, together with the priests of the Holy Rosary Parish, received the decree of elevation today at the Apostolic Nunciature.

This momentous occasion providentially coincides with several significant milestones in the history of both the parish and the city. This year marks the 380th Anniversary of the Battle of La Naval (1646), the 230th Anniversary of the Founding of Barrio Culiat (later known as Balen Culiat and now Angeles City), and the 150th anniversary of the first-ever Pontifical Mass celebrated in Pisamban Maragul.

Minor Basilica, According to Domus Ecclesiae

A Minor Basilica is a Catholic church that has been granted a special designation by the Pope, recognizing its historical, spiritual, and architectural significance. According to Domus Ecclesiae, a Vatican document that outlines the norms, responsibilities, and privileges for churches granted the title of Minor Basilica, released by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments on November 9, 1989, the following are conditions for obtaining the title minor basilica:

• Strong Worship Life – the church must already be formally dedicated to God and known for its active worship. Its Masses, confessions, and other sacraments should be done well, follow church rules, and involve the people fully.

• Proper Size and Setup – the church should be big enough, especially the area around the altar, to hold celebrations properly. Important parts like the altar, lectern, and priest’s chair must be arranged the way the Church requires.

• Special Importance – the church should be well-known in the diocese. This could be because it’s tied to a historic or religious event, holds the body or relics of a saint, or has a sacred image that people greatly honor. Its history and artwork also matter.

• Enough Clergy and Ministers – the church needs enough priests to celebrate Masses and hear confessions regularly, along with other ministers who help in services. It should also have a good choir to lead the people in singing during worship.

In other words, the church should have the following requirements:

1. Historical Significance – the church must have a rich history, dating back to the early Christian era or have played a significant role in the spread of Christianity.

2. Spiritual Significance – the church must be a place of pilgrimage, devotion, or spiritual significance, attracting visitors from around the world.

3. Architectural Significance – the church must possess exceptional architectural merit, reflecting the artistic and cultural heritage of its time.

4. Liturgical Significance – the church must have a strong liturgical tradition, hosting important ceremonies, and being a center of worship.

If a church has these characteristics, the designation process follows:

1. Petition – the local bishop or the church's administration submits a petition to the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments in Rome.

2. Investigation – the Congregation conducts an investigation to verify the church's historical, spiritual, and architectural significance.

3. Papal Approval – if the investigation is successful, the Pope grants the church the title of Minor Basilica through an official decree.

One approved, a Minor Basilica enjoys certain privileges, including:

1. Special Liturgical Privileges – Minor Basilicas can celebrate certain liturgical ceremonies with greater solemnity.

2. Use of the Papal Symbol – Minor Basilicas can display the papal symbol, the keys of St. Peter, on their banners, seals, and documents.

3. Priority in Processions – Minor Basilicas have priority in processions and other ceremonial events.

Overall, the designation of Minor Basilica recognizes a church's unique contribution to the Catholic faith and its rich history, spiritual significance, and architectural beauty.

PART I: RICH HISTORY

History of Holy Rosary Parish (HRP)

The most distinctive landmark of Angeles City today is the historic and treasured monument: the Holy Rosary Parish, known as “Pisamban Maragul” (Big Church). In 1796, Don Angel Pantaleon de Miranda, then the Capitan Municipal Mayor of the new capital town of San Fernando, and his wife Doña Rosalia de Jesus and some of their followers proceeded north of San Fernando. They made the first clearing of the thickly forested area, a barrio of San Fernando that became a new settlement. 

It was the practice of the wife of the founder, Doña Rosalia and the early settlers to carry the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary in a procession in every new clearing. Seeing how they prospered in the locality, the said couple thought of funding the construction of a chapel. It was made of wood and nipa. They furnished it with all that was needed for the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. For this they obtained from the Church authorities the appointment of a chaplain, to meet the spiritual needs of settlers in that area. Culiat was then under the Parish of St. Ferdinand in San Fernando, with Fr. Juan Sablan as its first chaplain.

Don Angel and Dona Rosalia who, by then, were already referred to as the “founders” petitioned both civil and Church authorities to have Culiat declared a separate town as its population increased considerably. On December 8, 1829, it was officially declared as a town independent from its matriz, San Fernando and was named “Angeles” in honor of the Holy Guardian Angels, which became the Titular Patrons and also in honor of the founder, Don Angel. The Church authorities placed the new town under the patronage and protection of the Most Holy Virgin of the Rosary.

The first fiesta held in honor of the Blessed Virgin of the Holy Rosary was celebrated in 1830. This was to commemorate the naval battles won by the Spaniards over the Dutch Fleet off Luzon. It also served to perpetuate the devotion of the early settlers, particularly Doña Rosalia, to the Blessed Virgin of the Holy Rosary. The celebration came to be known as “Naval” festivity. Every year thereafter, it was observed on the 2nd Sunday of October.

On January 23, 1834, the blessing and inauguration of the new parish church made of wood and nipa with stone parapets was done. A first-ever Pontifical Mass was celebrated in this church on December 8, 1876, by His Excellency, Archbishop Pedro Payo, O.P., the 23rd Archbishop of Manila, during his diocesan visit. The following year, on October 18, 1877, there began the excavation for the foundation of a greater and permanent church of strong materials. A new church was built, which today is basically of the same structure. 

In 1897, natural and man-made disasters and tragedies occurred. Prominent people of the town gathered at the convent after the naval fiesta and asked the Parish Priest, Fr. Rufino Santos Perez, OSA for a celebration in honor of “Apung Mamacalulu,” Our Lord of the Holy Sepulchre. This was to be preceded by a Quinario, a five-day novena in honor of the five wounds of Jesus. They looked to Apung Mamacalulu’s intercession for the town’s deliverance from evil and from disasters. The pastor gave them his blessings and on October 29, the devotion to Apung Mamacalulu commenced. It became an annual tradition afterwards.

1898 marked the end of Spanish rule. The last Spanish friar, Fr. Baltazar Gamarra, OSA turned over the administration of the parish to Fr. Vicente Lapus, a Kapampangan priest.

In 1899, at the height of the Philippine revolution, the town’s inhabitants evacuated to neighboring areas. Gen. Antonio Luna moved his general headquarters into Angeles, converting the twin bell towers of the church as observation outposts against American invasion forces. When the American Invasion Forces captured Angeles, they converted the church into a military hospital to treat the many wounded soldiers. The parish priest had to move to Sapangbato and a chapel, made of cogon and bamboo frame, was constructed there to serve as a temporary parish where the “Naval” and “Apu” festivities could be celebrated. At the same time, the parish church and the adjoining convent served as a military hospital and barracks of the American Army. At the start of 1902, the war evacuees began returning to their homes, and in the aftermath of the war, the church was in a state of disrepair and destruction. It was looted of its valuables.

The HRP’s roof, damaged by a US B-25 Mitchell bomber that hit it on January 7, 1945.

As World War II raged from 1940 to 1945, the ravages of war took their toll again on the church. On January 7, 1945, an American Bomber, B-25 Mitchell crashed against the roof of the nave of the church. Fr. Cosme Bituin, the parish priest, lost no time in having the damaged church repaired. The post war period saw Angeles grow northward towards Clark Air Base. The sugar cane and rice fields were turned into new barrios, and the expansion of the base was a contributing factor in the phenomenal growth of Angeles. It led the parish to be subdivided into smaller parishes to serve more efficiently the spiritual needs of the people.

1945 Easter Sunday Mass for US servicemen (left); the Main Altar of Pisamban Maragul after the 1962 major renovation (right).

Other Significant Events in Holy Rosary Parish (HRP)

• October 25, 1897 – Román Payumu, popularly known by his nickname, “Duman”, arrested on suspicion of being a Katipunero by the Spanish Cazadores, miraculously escaped death by firing squad after receiving mercy and miracle from Apung Mamacalulu. It happened that while he was being led to his execution at the back of the church, he turns to the image of the Apung Mamacalulu in one of the side altars of the church; it is said that after praying, the ropes loosen and he manages to flee to the nearby sugarcane field.

• June 12, 1899 – the first anniversary of Philippine Independence was held in Angeles with a field Mass officiated by Fr. Vicente Lapus for the assembled revolutionary forces under Gen. Aguinaldo, Gen. Marcelo H. Del Pilar, Laguna Morales and a battalion from Zambales. The bells of HRP were rung in line with the First Anniversary of Philippine Independence, which was held in Angeles with President Emilio Aguinaldo witnessing the marching troops led by the boyish General Gregorio del Pilar, from the windows of the Pamintuan Mansion along Sto. Entierro Street.

• August 15, 1938 – the parish priest, Msgr. Pedro Santos, was solemnly consecrated at the Manila Cathedral as Bishop of Nueva Caceres.

• May 2008 – Most Rev. Pablo Virgilio S. David D.D., the then Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of San Fernando was installed as the new parish priest of Holy Rosary Parish. He also later became a cardinal.

• June 18, 2010 – the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Sunday was celebrated for the first time in HRP. This is part of the HRP Social Action Center’s advocacy for people with disabilities (PWD).

• March 18, 2012 – the HRP Community participated in the May They Be One Handwritten Unity Bible (HUB) project, organized by the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Biblical Apostolate (ECBA) and the Philippine Bible Society (PBS), wherein parishioners wrote the Bible using their handwriting.

• December 23, 2015 – HRP was declared as one of the Important Cultural Properties of the Philippines in Angeles City.

• March 4-5, 2016 – a 24 Hours for the Lord, with the aim of “enabling the faithful to touch the grandeur of God’s mercy with their own hands” (Misericordiae Vultus #17), was celebrated by the Holy Rosary Parish, together with all other parishes in the world.

• February 10, 2017 – HRP breaks silence, says “Yes to Life, No to Killings” amidst the abuse and violence happening in the country, through a Prayer Walk for Life which was participated by thousands of people from the religious, academic, and private sectors.

• April 22, 2019 – A 6.1 magnitude earthquake jolted parts of Luzon, causing significant damages to the heritage churches of Pampanga, HRP included.

• June 19, 2021– The Arrival and Reception of the Holy Relics of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Dominic de Guzman and Saint Pope Pius V was held at Holy Rosary Parish. The Eucharistic Celebration was presided by Rev. Fr. Nolasco Fernandez, together with the HRP Clergy and Rev. Fr. Dennis Duene Ruiz, OAD (Relic Custodian - Postulator General).

• June 8, 2024 – The Solemn Eucharistic Celebration and Rite of Blessing of the Retablo of Apung Mamacalulu and Saint Joseph and of the Sacristy of the Pisamban Maragul was presided by His Excellency, Most Rev. Florentino G. Lavarias, D.D., Roman Catholic Archbishop of San Fernando (Pampanga).

• December 7, 2024 – the Rite of Solemn Dedication of the Church and the Altar was presided by His Excellency, Most Rev. Charles John Brown D.D., Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines. The parish was rededicated after it was damaged by the April 2019 Luzon earthquake. 

HRP, under construction after being damaged by the 2019 Luzon earthquake (above);

Rite of Solemn Dedication of the Church and the Altar (below).

Today, the church serves as a beacon to travelers. Not only does it serve as a landmark of Angeles, but it is also an oasis for weary souls who stop by and seek refuge at some point in their journey. Plus, it also serves as a pilgrimage site for many Catholic faithful.

Pilgrims from the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno (Quiapo Church).

PART II: SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE

Virtues of Angeleños: Piety and Generosity

Piety – before the April 2019 earthquake that destroyed some parts of the church, eleven Masses were celebrated every Sunday (one Vigil Mass on Saturday evenings, five Masses on Sunday mornings and another five on Sunday afternoons). Plus, at least six Masses on weekdays (seven on Wednesdays). Except on rainy days, each Mass is generally well-attended. The parish has a congregation of at least two thousand people per Sunday Mass. If someone would also count in all the Sunday Masses in the seven barangay chapels under HRP, it is safe to say that we get an average of around 24,000 mass-goers every Sunday.

La Naval Fiesta 2018 (left); Fiestang Apung Mamacalulu 2025 (right)

In addition to these, a Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament (adoration chapel) was located at the back of the church. HRP is probably one of the parishes whose adoration chapel is never empty from the time it opens around 5 a.m. until its closing around 10 p.m. People walk in either for a quick visit at the tiled lower portion of the tunnel-like area of the chapel's nave, or for a longer moment of silence in a quiet corner of the elevated portion of the floor. A feature was also introduced in this chapel: Bible passages were printed on small sheets of paper, rolled, and placed in a box where the faithful can take one piece, either for reflection or spiritual guidance. These Bible passages were prayerfully cut, rolled, and donated to the parish by certain generous parishioners.

Generosity – Angeleños are well-known for their generosity and willingness to contribute their hard-earned money for the good of the church. Almost every month, they contribute to second collections for special projects of other parishes in the province. Its parish funds are also a regular source of contributions to the Mother of Good Counsel Seminary, the Domus Pastorum (home for retired priests), and other priority projects of the archbishop.

In 2008, when Bishop Pablo David took over as parish priest, he instituted what he called the “almsgiving days” for the parishioners. All the main collections for Masses on First Fridays and Third Wednesdays of the months-in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and of the Mother of Perpetual Help are set aside for projects meant for the poorest of the poor. They are remitted directly to the HRP Social Action Fund which has grown through the years and is constantly replenished. It is the fund that finances regular social action projects such as medical and allied assistance for indigents, child support program, educational assistance for the out-of-school youth, pastoral care for the persons deprived of liberty, advocacy programs for persons with disabilities (PWD), among others.

In addition to these, Angeleños are also generous in sharing their talents and skills. Special education (SPED) teachers from nearby schools serve as Mass interpreters for the deaf every Sunday. Such was the generosity of the volunteers that the HRP Children's Choir incorporates sign language while they sing, so that hearing impaired parishioners may join the song using sign language. Furthermore, social workers serve as consultants for social action activities. Retired teachers serve as catechist, lay ministers, greeters and collectors, among others.

Holy Rosary Parish, a Seedbed of Vocation

Pope John Paul II, in his Apostolic Exhortation, famously described the family as the “primary and most excellent seedbed of vocations to a life of consecration to the Kingdom of God” (Familiaris Consortio, #53). Interestingly, many parishioners of HRP attend Mass in families. Some have intergenerationally passed the faith from their great grandparents to the present generation. Still more, through the larger HRP family, the seed of vocation was planted and nurtured. Below are some of the Angeles-born priest, religious, and consecrated people, and their faith experience at Holy Rosary Parish:

• Rev. Fr. Tarcisio Ma. H. Narciso, OSB – he was the Abbot Emeritus of the Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat in Manila. According to him, “I started as a member of the ‘Tarcisians’ (the altar boy’s group in the parish). As a Tarcisian, we had monthly vigils in the church.  I remember my mother and father brings me and my siblings to Sunday Mass, to confession, and joining the Stations of the Cross at Lent at Holy Rosary Parish.”

• Rev. Fr. Teodulo P. Gonzales, SJ – he once shared in an interview, “My father attended the Cursillo, a renewal for lay people on the basics of the Catholic faith. After that, he started taking us to the church for Mass and rosary, and Benediction. We would go to church after school. This attendance gave me a certain rootedness and foundation in the Eucharist.”

• Fr. Jeffrey Estacio, a priest in the Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky, USA. He shared, “I grew up attending Masses at Pisamban Maragul. My family and I always occupied the pew right next to the space that opened up the courtyard of the Holy Family Academy. As an altar server, I was in awe of the experience of being so close to the altar while consecration was going on.”

• Rev. Fr. Emmanuel S. Contreras, “My priestly vocation began at the Holy Rosary Parish (HRP). During my college days, I was a member of a choir. I also remember with fondness my daily visits to the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament after my classes at the Holy Angel University. My decision to pursue the priesthood was firmed up in this church. I made my decision to pursue a priestly vocation in front of the Blessed Sacrament of the Holy Rosary Parish. I was deep in prayer and reflection then amidst my dilemma on whether to continue working as a lay person or to respond to the call of priesthood. The Holy Rosary Parish Vocations Committee helped finance my studies at the seminary. I would not have finished my studies at the seminary had it not been for the love, support and generosity of the people of Angeles.”

Some of the Angeles-born priest in the country.

More Parishes and Consecrated People from Angeles City

The Holy Rosary Parish gave birth to the other parishes in Angeles City. Called “2^nd Generation Parishes of HRP”, this includes Holy Cross Parish (1936), Our Lady of Lourdes Parish (1954), Immaculate Conception Parish (1965), Sta. Teresita Parish (1981); Parish of the Lord’s Transfiguration (1996); Christ the King Parish (1994); Holy Spirit Parish (1995); Jesus the Eternal Word Parish (2007); and Our Lady of Fatima Parish (2009). In addition, a former chapel under Holy Rosary Parish was elevated into the Archdiocesan Shrine of Apung Mamacalulu.

From Holy Rosary Parish and these daughter parishes, more young people grew their vocations and pursued a life of being consecrated people:

• Rev. Fr. Joselito C. Henson, former president of the University of the Assumption (UA), and current rector of the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Fernando,

• Rev. Fr. Rafael T. Dela Cruz, a priest for almost 50 years;

• Rev. Fr. Eymard D. Ocampo, a priest for 29 years;

• Rev. Fr. Jonathan Raymund M. Bartolome, a priest for 26 years;

• Rev. Fr. Ernesto P. David, a priest for 22 years.

• Rev. Fr. Jobert M. Villacorte, a priest for 15 years;

• Rev. Fr. Howell M. Suarez, a priest for 7 years;

• Rev. Fr. Benjamin Espiritu, III, the current Dean of Studies of the Theology and Philosophy Department of the Mother of Good Counsel Seminary, a priest for 5 years;

• Rev. Fr. Danny Q. Nacpil, former Chancellor of the Archdiocese of San Fernando;

• Rev. Fr. Dudley Tanhueco-Villanueva, originally from Brgy. Pulung Bulu, Angeles City, was a member of the HRP Knights of the Blessed Sacrament (KBS), and former Parish Vicar of HRP; while his brother Rev. Fr. Tedley Tanhueco-Villanueva, SSS, from the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament was ordained in HRP almost 4 years ago, on February 25, 2022;

• Sr. Josefina G. Nepomuceno, OSB, former executive director of the Association of Benedictine Schools in the Philippines, she also hails from Angeles City along with Sr. Rosalind Tanhueco, OSB, Sr. Carmel Sumpaico, OSB.

Angeles City and its Four Fiestas

According to the records of Professor Robby Tantingco, of the Holy Angel University’s Center for Kapampangan Studies (CKS):

Angeles City was founded by Don Angel Pantaleon de Miranda. After his retirement as mayor of San Fernando, he cleared a forested barrio located at the northern tip of San Fernando, to establish a hacienda for his retirement. The place was first named “Barrio Culiat” after the culiat vines that were abundant in the place. He then gave Culiat’s población the name Santo Rosario. He built a parish church in Culiat so that his new settlers did not have to travel a great distance to San Fernando for Sunday Mass and the sacraments.

On December 8, 1829, Barrio Culiat officially separated from its matrix, San Fernando. The new town was named Angeles after its founder Don Angel, who was too modest to name the town after himself, so he claimed it was named after the new town’s patron saint, Los Angeles Custodios (The Guardian Angels), singularized to San Angelo (Holy Angel), whose feast day is October 2.

The three patrons of Angeles City: San Angelo, Our Lady of the Rosary, and Apung Mamacalulu

The following year, 1830, the town changed its patron saint to Our Lady of the Rosary (Nuestra Señora del Santo Rosario), who was the personal patron saint of the founder’s wife, Doña Rosalia de Jesus, and whose image was the one carried in procession during the clearing of Culiat earlier.  The image is known in the Philippines as La Naval because it was this Marian icon that led the Spanish fleet to a naval victory over the Protestant Dutch invaders in 1646.  Kapampangan soldiers played a crucial role in that battle.

The third fiesta of Angeles, celebrated every last Friday of October, is in honor of Apung Mamacalulu (Santo Entierro, or the Interred Christ).  The devotion started between 1828 and 1838 after parish priest Fr. Macario Paras had the image sculpted by a certain Buenaventura, installed for veneration in his family’s premises in old Talimundoc, and then donated to the parish church in 1872.  The devotion grew after the miraculous escape of a Roman Payumo from the hands of the Guardia Civil in 1897, allegedly attributed to the intervention of Apung Mamacalulu. 

The fourth fiesta is the founding anniversary of Angeles as a town, commemorated without much fanfare because it falls on December 8, Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, three days before December 11, is the founding anniversary of Pampanga as a province.

PART III: ARCHITECTURAL BEAUTY

Holy Rosary Parish (earlier called Parroquia de Angeles) is the third youngest mother parish in the Archdiocese of San Fernando, next only to Floridablanca and Masantol. In 1877, Fray Masnou was succeeded by Fray Ramon Sarrionandia, OSA. The construction of a large church, which can accommodate up to 3,700 churchgoers, begins on October 18. The Byzantine-style edifice was designed by Don Antonio de la Camara from Manila. The Holy Rosary Church is a living monument, not only to the engineering and architectural skills of de la Camara, but also to the unselfish and untiring cooperation of the townspeople of Angeles during the church’s construction that took almost twenty years to finish. The splendid spirit of cooperation was shown by all: the parish priest, Fr. Ramon Sarrionandia, OSA; the landed families under the leadership of Don Mariano V. Henson; and the farmers and tenants without whose efforts the edifice would not have materialized. It was not finally completed until February 12, 1896, when the twin bells were rung for the first time.

References:

• A Brief History of the Town of Angeles in the Province of Pampanga, Philippines: From its Foundation in 1796 A.D. to the Present (1947-1948) by Mariano A. Henson.

• Pisamban Maragul: The Living Church of Angeles City (2014) by Tomen and David.

Photo References: Holy Rosary Parish Media, Angelo Mangahas, Ms. Chanda Pascua, Quiapo Church, HRP Archive