by Rev. Fr. Gomer R. Torres, SThL, Bro. Gervin Kent Rodriguez and Bro. Cednick Bailon Tesoro of Vincentius Media
CABUYAO, LAGUNA, 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 to establish a spiritual twinning with them — an historic and unprecedented
spiritual bond. This remarkable gift was approved by Rev. Fr. Francisco Javier Carballo
Fernández, O.P., Prior of the Dominican Convent and Rector of the Basilica. The
community of the Basilica bestowed this "bond of affinity" upon the San Vicente Shrine in recognition of its profound and widespread devotion to Saint Vincent Ferrer. They also commended the Shrine's outstanding devotional and pastoral efforts, which beautifully reflect the exemplary life and teachings of the great Spanish saint.
“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.” - According to the Basilica of San Vicente Ferrer
The Basilica de San Vicente Ferrer in Valencia
The Minor Basilica of Saint Vincent Ferrer stands as a revered sight in Valencia, Spain,
the place where Saint Vincent Ferrer was born and spent his early life. The Basilica is
part of the Royal Convent of the Order of Preachers of Valencia or the Real Convento de
Predicadores de Valencia. The Neo-Gothic structure began construction on March 7,
1906, and was fully consecrated on October 12, 1921.
Adorned with stunning stained glass windows depicting the mysteries of the Rosary and scenes from the life of Saint Vincent Ferrer, the Basilica holds a prominent place in the spiritual heritage of Valencia. It was granted its Basilica status by Pope Pius XII on July
13, 1951.
Providentially, the Philippines holds a unique connection to the Basilica's history. The Dominicans of Valencia institutionally left their city due to the exclaustration in 1835, and their presence was installed by the Fathers of the Province of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines in 1891.
The Shrine of San Vicente Ferrer in Laguna
The Diocesan Shrine of San Vicente Ferrer in Mamatid, Cabuyao, Laguna, traces its roots back as early as the 1800s when the community attributed several miraculous events to the venerated image of Saint Vincent Ferrer. According to tradition, the image of Saint
Vincent was originally owned by the Bella Clan, who resided in the town proper.
However, despite being brought home several times, the image repeatedly returned to a large tree located in Barrio Mamatid. This miraculous occurrence ultimately led to the construction of a church in his honor.
The shrine is home to the antique ivory image of San Vicente Ferrer that has drawn thousands of devotees seeking healing and divine intervention. Notably, the image is unique and stands out among Vincentian images as Saint Vincent in Mamatid is depicted with spectacles or eye glasses — an ex-voto offering or gift from a devotee who miraculously regained his eyesight. This enduring devotion has grown beyond Laguna, inspiring faithful from Metro Manila and other regions across the Philippines.
Through the dedicated efforts of the Shrine Council, the community of the Diocesan
Shrine of San Vicente Ferrer actively engages in various devotional and pastoral
initiatives that extend their mission to those in the peripheries. Central to this mission is
the Viaje de San Vicente — a special journey where the miraculous image of Saint
Vincent Ferrer is brought to different places, echoing the saint’s own missionary spirit.
This outreach began by bringing the image to various homes, but over the years, it has
extended its reach to those most in need — including the sick, residents of slums,
retirement homes, orphanages, prisons, and children with special needs. It stands as a
powerful testament to the Shrine's unwavering commitment to serving not only those who can visit the church but also those who cannot. In this way, the Shrine beautifully reflects the compassionate preaching and tireless mission of Saint Vincent Ferrer.
The year 2025 is a momentous one for the Catholic Church as it celebrates the Jubilee
Year of Hope. For the faithful of the Diocesan Shrine of San Vicente Ferrer in Mamatid,
this year holds even deeper significance with two remarkable milestones.
On March 26, the Shrine will joyfully commemorate the 15th anniversary of its elevation
as a Diocesan Shrine. Adding to this celebration is the recognition of the Shrine as the
Spiritual Twin of the Basilica of San Vicente Ferrer. All these special events are made
even more meaningful as they align with the 570th anniversary of Saint Vincent Ferrer’s
canonization on June 3, 2025. To prepare for this historic occasion, the Shrine holds a
100-day celebration leading up to the anniversary, fostering prayer, reflection, and
renewed devotion among the faithful.
The Solemn Declaration of the Spiritual Twinning of the Basilica and the San Vicente
Shrine will take place on June 6, 2025, during the thanksgiving mass for the 570th
Canonization of Saint Vincent Ferrer.
The spiritual twinning stands as a powerful reminder that our churches are called to be
Pilgrims of Hope, reaching out to the last, the lost, and the least. It also highlights the
shared devotion between the two Vincentian churches, uniting the devotees of Saint
Vincent not only from Spain and the Philippines but from all corners of the world under
the intercession of Saint Vincent Ferrer.
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