Efforts to elevate St. Joseph shrine to basilica continue

CEBU, Philippines — Following the announcement of his new appointment, Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Midyphil  Dodong  Billones expressed hope that his successor at the National Shrine of St. Joseph in Mandaue City would continue the vision of elevating the church to become Cebu s second minor basilica.

Billones, who also serves as the team moderator of the National Shrine of St. Joseph, confirmed that the application for basilica status is still ongoing.

 Padayonon lang ang atong application for the basilica  it is still something that we d pray for,  said the auxiliary bishop.

However, he acknowledged that the current priority is addressing the assignment of bishops to vacant positions, as he and Bishop Ruben Caballero Labajo of the Prosperidad Diocese have both been reassigned.

Billones also expressed his prayers that whoever succeeds him in Mandaue would be another bishop moderator who shares the vision of elevating the church to a basilica.

The formal application to designate the National Shrine of St. Joseph as a minor basilica was submitted in January 2023. The Vatican responded in March of the same year, outlining the requirements needed for the application process.

Currently, the only minor basilica in Cebu is the Basilica Minore del Sto. Ni o de Cebu, home to the revered image of the Holy Child.

A minor basilica designation signifies a church s special connection to the Pope and the Vatican. This title is granted based on the church s role in spreading the faith, its association with significant religious events, or its artistic and cultural heritage.

Billones is set to return to his hometown in Jaro, Iloilo, on April 1, 2025, following his appointment by Pope Francis as the incoming archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Jaro.

The Canonical Procession and Installation for his new role will take place the next day, April 2, at 9 a.m., in the Jaro Cathedral.

Reflecting on his time in Cebu, Billones shared his impressions of Cebuano religious fervor.

 Ang religiosity, before as an Ilonggo, I thought kami najud Ilonggo ang pinaka religious ba until I arrived here and discovered the vibrancy of the fervor of the Cebuano people especially here in Mandaue,  he said.

He also clarified that his reassignment is not a promotion but a "pro-mission," emphasizing that his move is guided by the Holy Spirit s call to serve.

 I will always be grateful for the many lessons and the love they have bestowed upon me and so ako nang baonon once i go back,  he added.

Billones has been serving in Mandaue since his installation in September 2019, providing nearly six years of pastoral service in Cebu.

A native of Panay town in Capiz, Billones was previously the rector of the St. Joseph Regional Seminary of Jaro before being appointed auxiliary bishop of Cebu in July 2019. (CEBU NEWS)