Tondo Church to become a minor basilica on May 11
MANILA, Philippines — The Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of Santo Niño, where one of the images of the Child Jesus “Santo Niño” is located, will be officially declared as a minor basilica on May 11.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, January 25, the shrine, also known as the “Tondo Church,” announced that it “shall be solemnly declared a Minor Basilica on May 11, 2026” at 2 p.m.
“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,” the church’s statement read.
Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Charles John Brown is expected to preside over the concelebrated mass for the declaration, along with Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula.
A minor basilica is granted a special title by the Pope, recognizing its historical, architectural, or liturgical importance. Unlike major basilicas, which are only located in Rome, there are almost 2000 minor basilicas around the world.
Tondo Church became a minor basilica following a November 2025 papal decree by Pope Leo XIV.
This historic site, founded in 1572, houses the Sto. Niño de Tondo—the second-oldest Santo Niño icon in the country.
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