Basilica of the National Shrine of La Virgen Divina Pastora
Philippines·Gapan·Diocese of Cabanatuan
The Minor Basilica and National Shrine of La Virgen Divina Pastora, also known as Gapan Church, is a significant Roman Catholic minor basilica and national shrine located in Gapan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. Established in the 1500s, it is one of the oldest and largest colonial churches in the country, serving as a major pilgrimage site for the patron saints of Gapan and Nueva Ecija, the Three Kings and La Divina Pastora. It was declared a national shrine in 1986 and elevated to the status of a minor basilica by Pope Francis in 2024.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1595 by Augustinian friars, the church is one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in the Philippines.
- ›The present church structure was constructed between 1856 and 1872, primarily from limestone blocks and bricks.
- ›It is a pilgrimage site for the patron saints of Gapan and Nueva Ecija: the three Kings and La Virgen Divina Pastora.
- ›The church was declared a national shrine by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines in 1986.
- ›Pope Francis granted the title of Minor Basilica to the shrine in 2024.
- ›The image of La Virgen Divina Pastora, donated by the Valmonte Family, is a focal point of Marian pilgrimages in Central Luzon.
Byzantine
Three Kings, La Virgen Divina Pastora
- Original Miniature Image of La Virgen Divina Pastora
Augustinians
Francisco Laredo, Antonio Cornejo, Leonardo Laneza
About Basilica of the National Shrine of La Virgen Divina Pastora
The Minor Basilica and National Shrine of La Virgen Divina Pastora
The Minor Basilica and National Shrine of La Virgen Divina Pastora, commonly known as Gapan Church, stands as a prominent Roman Catholic minor basilica and national shrine in Gapan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. Its history dates back to the 1500s, with the Augustinians establishing a community there in 1595. The current church structure, built between 1856 and 1872, is notable for its distinct Byzantine architectural style, constructed from limestone blocks and bricks.
History and Significance
Gapan Church is recognized as one of the oldest and the largest colonial churches in Nueva Ecija. It holds significant religious importance as a pilgrimage site dedicated to two patron saints of Gapan and Nueva Ecija: the Three Kings and La Virgen Divina Pastora (Divine Shepherdess). The church's foundation in the 1500s by the Augustinians marked the beginning of its long history, with secular priests taking over administration in 1770.
Devotion to La Virgen Divina Pastora
A central element of the shrine's devotion is the image of La Virgen Divina Pastora. The origins of this image are intertwined with legend, but its recorded history is largely attributed to the Valmonte Family, who commissioned an image from Spain in the 1700s following a prophetic dream. This image became the center of family devotion and later, a focal point for widespread veneration, attracting large pilgrimages from across Central Luzon.
Declarations and Elevations
The church's importance was formally recognized when the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines declared it a national shrine in 1986. More recently, on November 28, 2023, Pope Francis conferred upon the shrine the title of Minor Basilica, making it the twenty-second in the Philippines and the first in the province of Nueva Ecija. A solemn Pontifical Mass was held on April 26, 2024, to officially mark this elevation, coinciding with the sixtieth anniversary of the image of La Virgen Divina Pastora's canonical coronation.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Gapan Church founded?
The Augustinians formally accepted Gapan and established a community there on August 28, 1595, marking the foundation of the church.
Who was responsible for the construction of the current church?
The present church was constructed under the direction of Augustinian friars Laredo, Cornejo, and Laneza from 1856 to 1872. Fray Francisco Laredo began the construction, with his successors completing the work.
What is the architectural style of Gapan Church?
The church is distinctly described as Byzantine in style. It is constructed from blocks of limestone and locally made bricks.
What are the significant religious relics or images housed in Gapan Church?
The church is known for its devotion to the Three Kings and La Virgen Divina Pastora. The original miniature image of La Virgen Divina Pastora, donated by the Valmonte Family, is prominently displayed.
When was Gapan Church officially recognized as a minor basilica?
Pope Francis elevated the church to the status of a Minor Basilica on November 28, 2023. A solemn declaration ceremony was held on April 26, 2024.
What is the significance of La Virgen Divina Pastora image?
The image of La Virgen Divina Pastora is the object of the largest Marian pilgrimages in Central Luzon. Its devotion is traced back to a dream experienced by Doña Juana Valmonte in the 1700s.
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