Historic Spiritual Twinning Unites Vincentian Shrines in Spain and the Philippines

In a historic move to deepen devotion to Saint Vincent Ferrer across the Philippines, the Diocesan Shrine of San Vicente Ferrer in Mamatid, Laguna, will be spiritually twinned with the Basilica de San Vicente Ferrer in Valencia, Spain.

The Basilica has officially recognized the San Vicente Ferrer de Mamatid Shrine as the first church in the world to establish this unique spiritual twinning, an unprecedented grace in the history of Vincentian devotion.

This extraordinary recognition was approved by Fr. Francisco Javier Carballo Fernández, Prior of the Dominican Convent and Rector of the Basilica.

The Basilica community bestowed this “hermanamiento” or twin upon the San Vicente Shrine in appreciation of its deep devotion to Saint Vincent Ferrer and its outstanding pastoral efforts, which reflect the life and teachings of the great Spanish saint.

According to the Basilica of San Vicente Ferrer, “The benefits of the spiritual twinning are those inherent in the Vincentian devotion. The San Vicente Shrine can establish a designated day each month for a Mass to be offered for the intentions of the Basilica, and the faithful can obtain the plenary indulgence on the feast day of St. Vincent under the conditions required by the Church.”

This distinction, endorsed by Bishop Marcelino Antonio M. Maralit, Jr., of San Pablo, deepens the spiritual connection between the two churches and strengthens devotion to Saint Vincent Ferrer across the Philippines and beyond.

The official proclamation occurred on March 26, 2025, at 6:00 PM, marking a historic milestone as the Shrine celebrates its 15th anniversary as a Diocesan Shrine and the 570th anniversary of Saint Vincent Ferrer’s canonization.

Maralit invites devotees, media partners, and Catholic organizations to witness and participate in this historic event, a testament to unwavering faith and devotion.

The Minor Basilica of Saint Vincent Ferrer is a revered site in Valencia, Spain—the birthplace of Saint Vincent Ferrer.

It is part of the Royal Convent of the Order of Preachers of Valencia (Real Convento de Predicadores de Valencia).

The Neo-Gothic basilica was constructed on March 7, 1906, and fully consecrated on October 12, 1921.

It features stunning stained glass windows depicting the mysteries of the Rosary and scenes from the life of Saint Vincent Ferrer. It was granted basilica status by Pope Pius XII on July 13, 1951.

The Basilica has a special historical connection to the Philippines. In 1835, the Dominicans of Valencia had to leave their city due to exclaustration. By 1891, their presence was reestablished in Valencia through the Province of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines.

The Diocesan Shrine of San Vicente Ferrer in Mamatid, Cabuyao, Laguna, traces its roots to the 1800s when miraculous events were attributed to the venerated image of Saint Vincent Ferrer.

According to tradition, the image originally belonged to the Bella Clan in the town proper. Still, it repeatedly returned to a large tree in Barrio Mamatid, leading to the construction of a church in his honor.

The shrine is home to an antique ivory image of San Vicente Ferrer, which has drawn thousands of devotees seeking healing and divine intervention.

This image is unique in that it depicts Saint Vincent wearing spectacles, an ex-voto gift from a devotee who miraculously regained his sight.

Through the efforts of the Shrine Council, the community actively engages in pastoral and devotional initiatives.

One of its significant programs is the Viaje de San Vicente, where the miraculous image is brought to various locations—particularly to the sick, slum areas, orphanages, prisons, and children with special needs—echoing Saint Vincent’s missionary spirit.

The year 2025 is a significant one for the Catholic Church, as it celebrates the Jubilee Year of Hope.

For the Diocesan Shrine of San Vicente Ferrer, this year holds even greater meaning with two historic milestones:

• March 26, 2025—The 15th anniversary of the shrine’s elevation as a diocesan shrine.

• June 6, 2025—The Solemn Declaration of the Spiritual Twinning during the Thanksgiving Mass for the 570th anniversary of the canonization of Saint Vincent Ferrer

A 100-day celebration leading up to this historic event has already begun, encouraging prayer, reflection, and renewed devotion among the faithful.

This spiritual twinning serves as a powerful reminder that churches are called to be Pilgrims of Hope, reaching out to the last, the lost, and the least.

It also unites the devotees of Saint Vincent Ferrer from Spain, the Philippines, and beyond under the intercession of this beloved saint.