DAGUPAN CITY, July 28 (PIA) – The Parish Church of Saint Dominic in San Carlos City, Pangasinan was bestowed the title minor basilica by Pope Francis, according to the Archdiocese of Lingayen Dagupan.
 
The parish church is the first Dominican church in Pangasinan that started as a simple chapel of bamboo and nipa built in 1587 in Binalatongan, now San Carlos City.
 
Due to seasonal flooding, the parish was moved to higher locations three times in the 17th and 19th centuries.
 
“In the 18th century, most churches were built of bricks and the largest bricks produced then were from San Carlos. After the Palaris revolt in 1765, a new church in its current site was built and completed in 1773. The church is now 250 years old,” the Archdiocese said in a statement.
 
Minor basilica is a special designation by the Holy Father to certain Catholic church buildings bestowed for its architectural beauty, historical significance, liturgical renown, presence of a special relic or work of art or a combination of any of the criteria.
 
Plenary indulgence for the faithful who visit the church and participate in sacred rites are the special privileges of a basilica church.
 
Likewise, basilica can be distinguished through the three symbols such as ombrellino (little umbrella), tintinnabulum (bells), and tiara and keys that are on the Vatican flag.
 
The Archdiocese said the date for the liturgical rites for the proclamation of the new minor basilica will be announced in due time. (JCR/AMB/EMSA, PIA Pangasinan)