In a Decree dated 7 October 2011, among other things, the privilege of celebrating funeral masses and of keeping the records of the same which was granted to the Basilica Minore in 1988 was revoked. (cf. No. 8 of the 7 October 2011 Decree). This was done in order that the Basilica Minore may be true to its mission as prescribed by Pope John Paull II’s Decree of Elevation of the Shrine to a Basilica Minore declaring the same Basilica Minore as a sacred place exclusively for the promotion of the Cult and Piety towards the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Due to the reasonable pastoral demands of the Catholic faithful in parishes within Naga City, however, and with the concurrence of the priests of the Central District, and upon the advice of REV. MSGR. RODEL M. CAJOT, P.C., Vicar General of the Archdiocese who shared in taking pastoral care of the same faithful, I, MOST REV. ROLANDO J. TRIA TIRONA, O.C.D., D.D., by the Grace of God and Favor of the Apostolic See, Archbishop of Caceres, after having consulted the Presbyterium of Caceres gathered in an assembly last February 26, 2013 at the Parish of St. Vincent Ferrer, Ombao Polpog, Bula, Camarines Sur, hereby RESTORE THE PRACTICE OF CELEBRATING FUNERAL MASSES AT THE BASILICA OF OUR LADY OF PEÑAFRANCIA, NAGA CITY, without forgetting the main purpose for which the Basilica Minore was erected, and subject to the supervision of Rev. Msgr Rodel M. Cajot, P.C. and whoever is the Rector of the Basilica Minore.
Henceforth the Basilica Minore shall enjoy the right of celebrating funeral masses according to the rite provided by the Liturgical Book. In scheduling and celebrating funerals, the Basilica must coordinate with the Parish of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Concepcion Pequeña, Naga City where the fact of the celebration of the funerals will be entered in the Death Registry of the Parish. Moreover, in celebrating funerals it must make a report as to their number and remit to the Curia its proper share as demanded by the Archdiocesan Arancel, that is 15% of its offering.
Finally, all other Provisions of the Decree issued last October 7, 2011 are to be observed. This decree shall come into force on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013. Contrary provisions notwithstanding. Given at our Chancery, City of Naga, Republic of the Philippines, this 28th day of February in the year of Our Lord 2013, the last day of the Pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI.
+ ROLANDO J. TRIA TIRONA, OC.D., D.D.
Archbishop of Caceres
By mandate of His Grace, The Archbishop of Caceres:
REV. FR. ALLAN ROY E. REMO, JCD
Chancellor
Book No. 0002
Prot. No. 2013-03
Page No. 0001