BAYAMBANG, PANGASINAN – The historic St. Vincent Ferrer Parish Church was officially elevated to the status of an archdiocesan shrine on Saturday, recognizing its deep spiritual legacy and vital role as a center of Catholic faith and devotion in the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan.
The proclamation, signed by Archbishop Socrates Villegas, honors the church’s enduring presence in the community and its contributions to the growth of the local Church.
“We are pleased to note that the Godos, a hymn for St. Vincent Ferrer composed many years ago, is a testament of the census feeding and proof of the numerous favors received through his intercession,” the decree stated.
Villegas noted the parish’s spiritual expansion, having given rise to three offspring parishes: the Parish of Santo Domingo Ybañez de Erquicia in Barangay Sapang, San Isidro Labrador in Barangay Karungay, and San Lorenzo Ruiz in Barangay Wawa.
As an archdiocesan shrine, St. Vincent Ferrer Church will now conduct monthly healing visits and blessings for the sick through the intercession of its patron saint—St. Vincent Ferrer, known as the patron of builders and reconciliation. It will also implement regular charitable programs for the poor.
“I invoke my pastoral blessings upon all who visit the Sanctuary. Pray for the intentions of the Pope and sanctification of priests, and receive Holy Communion in the State of Grace,” Villegas added.
In his homily, the Archbishop highlighted three reasons behind the church’s elevation: its antiquity, architectural beauty, and most importantly, its people.
“After being proven to be a church of antiquity, and after seeing with our eyes that this church is a church of beauty, what is the third criterion—and actually the most important? It is the people. And not only ordinary people. People who come here knowing that they want to express their love for God also,” he said.
He called on the faithful to reflect the church’s physical beauty in the way they live their spiritual lives.
As the Lenten season continues, the local government of Bayambang invites pilgrims and devotees to visit the newly declared shrine and the towering statue of St. Vincent Ferrer—another symbol of faith in the town.