A Church Built on
Faith, Service & Love
For over five decades, the Parish of St. Paul of the Cross has been a sanctuary of prayer, healing, and belonging for the people of Marikina. Come as you are — you have a home here.
"For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them." — Matthew 18:20
Our Mission
"Guided by the Vision, the Minor Basilica & Diocesan Shrine Parish of St. Paul of the Cross, brings into concrete reality a total community by integrating the different sodalities of the Basilica Shrine Parish into a cohesive and evangelical whole, especially by bringing the depressed individuals into the mainstream of the parish and shrine life, and thereby living out the obligatory choice of love of preference for the poor and the oppressed."
Our Vision
"The Minor Basilica & Diocesan Shrine Parish of St. Paul of the Cross envisions to be a united community bounded in the love of Christ, to live and share the mission to the general community of faithful that recognizes God’s universal love and preferential option for the poor and the oppressed."
Our Parish History
The First Community Mass
In 1968, a group of Catholics in SSS Village called the Christian Family Movement petitioned the Immaculate Conception Parish for a community Mass. The first Mass was celebrated on October 26, 1969, under the shady trees of what is now the Infant Jesus Academy – Marikina Main Campus.
A Parish is Born
Through the generosity of the Tuazon family, a chapel was built on December 5, 1971. On April 21, 1975, Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin elevated the chapel to the rank of a parish and entrusted it to the Passionist Congregation — rededicated to their founder, St. Paul of the Cross, becoming the first church in the Philippines and Asia with him as principal patron.
Transferred to the Diocese
After 25 years of Passionist administration, the parish was formally turned over to the Diocese of Antipolo in 2004. Under Fr. Rodrigo Eguia, major renovations were undertaken — the perimeter fence, sacristy, rectory, administration office, Parish Pastoral Center, Adoration Chapel, and mortuaries were all built or restored.
New Church Structure & Columbarium
Under Fr. Peter Julian Eymard Balatbat (2009–2019), devotion to St. Paul of the Cross and Our Lady of Fatima of Marikina deepened through votive masses, prayer groups, and the First Saturday dawn procession. The new parish structure, bell tower, and columbarium were dedicated on October 20, 2018, by Bishop Francisco M. De Leon, D.D.
Elevated to a Diocesan Shrine
Under Fr. Vicentico C. Flores Jr., the parish was elevated to a Diocesan Shrine on March 19, 2021 — the Feast of St. Joseph — deepening its role as a center of pilgrimage and devotion to the Passion of Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Minor Basilica — Grace Upon Grace
Following the Pontifical Coronation of Nuestra Señora de Fátima de Marikina (May 12, 2024) and Spiritual Twinning with the Basilica of Saints John and Paul in Rome (June 29, 2024), the Holy See granted the elevation to a Minor Basilica on May 13, 2025. The historic proclamation was made on October 26, 2025 — the anniversary of the very first Mass in the community. "Higit Pa ang Pagpapala, Higit pa ang Biyaya."
1694 – 1775
St. Paul of the Cross
Founder, Passionist Congregation
Our Patron Saint
St. Paul of the Cross (1694–1775) was an Italian mystic, founder of the Passionist Congregation, and one of the great spiritual figures of the 18th century. He was canonized by Pope Pius IX in 1867.
Early Life & Calling
St. Paul of the Cross was born on January 3, 1694, in Ovada, Italy. From an early age, he felt a profound call to center his life on the Passion of Christ — on the suffering and love of Jesus for humanity.
Founding the Passionists
After seventeen years of prayer and discernment, Papal approbation was obtained in 1741 for the Congregation of the Passion (Passionists). St. Paul dedicated his life to preaching missions, calling the faithful to meditate on Christ's suffering.
A Life of Devotion
Through fifty years of incessant bodily pain and spiritual trials, St. Paul remained steadfast in his mission. He died on October 18, 1775, at the age of 81, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, prayer, and the love of the Cross.
Parish History
Parish Priests & Rectors
A legacy of faithful shepherds who have guided the parish from its founding in 1975 to the present day.
Passionist Fathers
Diocesan Priests