A parish church dedicated to the Immaculate Conception in Oslob town, located 119 kilometers south of Cebu City in the central Philippines, has been officially affiliated with the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome.
This designation establishes a bond of spiritual affinity between the two churches.
The Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major, one of the four major basilicas in Rome, was founded by Pope Liberius in 352 AD. It is believed to be the first church in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
The late Pope Francis often visited the basilica before and after his apostolic journeys. There, he would pray and entrust his concerns to the icon of Mary known as Salus Populi Romani (Health of the Roman People).
Less than 48 hours after his election on May 8, 2025, Pope Leo visited the basilica to pray before the icon of the Virginand to offer prayers for Pope Francis, who is now entombed there.
Oslob is an agricultural town with a population of over 30,000. Its main church, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, was established by the Augustinians in 1599 as a visita of Carcar and became an independent parish in 1847. The present-day church is constructed of wood and cut coral stones.
The parish priest, Fr. Jonald M. Concha, initiated the petition for affiliation, which was endorsed by Cebu Archbishop José S. Palma. The petition, submitted through the Apostolic Nunciature in Manila, was approved by the Archpriest of the Major Basilica and took effect on March 4, 2025.
The spiritual bond between the Papal Basilica in Rome and the Immaculate Conception Parish in Oslob will be marked by a Eucharistic celebration on August 2, 2025.
The Mass will be presided over by a representative of Archbishop Charles Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, together with Archbishop Palma. This celebration anticipates the Feast of the Dedication of St. Mary Major, held on August 5.
A commemorative marker displaying the official documents of affiliation will be installed for visitors and pilgrims. The image of Mary Salus Populi Romani, brought directly from Rome, will also be enthroned in the church.
As an affiliate church, the parishioners of Oslob and visiting pilgrims will participate in the spiritual life of the basilica, including its liturgical celebrations and devotional practices.
Overjoyed and grateful for the recognition, Fr. Jonald Concha said, “This affiliation is a blessing for our parish and a reminder of our shared commitment to spreading the Gospel and serving our community.”
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
Latest News
