Basilica of Our Lady of Charity, Agoo, Philippines Verified listing

Basilica of Our Lady of Charity, Agoo, Philippines

The Minor Basilica and Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Charity, also called Santa Monica Parish Church or Agoo Basilica, stands in Agoo, La Union, Philippines. It serves as a major center for Catholic worship. The church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of Charity. Every year, thousands of pilgrims and tourists visit to pray, attend Mass, and explore its rich spiritual and cultural heritage. Moreover, the shrine supports community programs and spiritual activities led by the parish clergy.

The basilica serves as the seat of the Santa Monica Parish under the Diocese of San Fernando de La Union. It also functions under the Vicariate of Saint Francis Xavier. Parish priest Alfonso V. Lacsamana and parish vicar Liberato A. Apusen lead its operations. They organize events and guide parishioners in religious celebrations. In addition, they maintain the building and ensure that visitors’ spiritual and cultural needs are met.

Pope John Paul II raised the shrine to the status of Minor Basilica through the decree Signum illud Sanctuariumque on 15 July 1982. As a result, the church gained formal recognition as an important center of Marian devotion. Furthermore, Pope Francis issued a decree of pontifical coronation for the enshrined image of Our Lady of Charity on 29 April 2024. The solemn coronation occurred on 6 December 2024. These events strengthened the faith of thousands of pilgrims.

Today, Agoo Basilica stands as a symbol of faith, devotion, and cultural pride in La Union. Moreover, it welcomes pilgrims and tourists while supporting community programs, religious celebrations, and cultural heritage activities.

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