Basilica Minore de Nuesta Senora de Piat (Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Piat)

My recent travel to Tuguegarao presented the opportunity to visit the shrine to Our Lady of Piat. This was to the northwest of Tuguegarao. The basilica is a pilgrimage site that is supposed to be at the level of Manaoag, Penafrancia, and perhaps even Antipolo and Baclaran. 

The way to the basilica is via narrow one way streets through a generally residential area. The basilica itself is obscured by residential-commercial buildings.

This giant mural showing how the image arrived dominates the approach to the basilica.

The sign on the left states: "Welcome to the Pilgrimage Capital of the North"

The main gate of the basilica actually is at the back of the building

Shops along the street leading to the basilica

The area at what appears to be the rear of the basilica is more spacious and somewhat makes up for the cramped space up front. This is perhaps where people congregate during Mass and other events.

The rear of the grounds is where the front of the basilica actually is. Here is a front of the church.

Here is another photo of the front of the basilica featuring the bell tower. The building features the 

The main door to the basilica was closed by the time we arrived there. Its probably open only during Sundays and special days.

The Holy Door that is usually open during special occasions particularly during jubilee years.

Inside the basilica, this is the view to the rear (the main door).

The ceiling does not have intricate features but the stained glass windows are remarkable.

The main altar features a retablo

Unlike other churches (e.g., Antipolo, Manaoag) dedicated to Our Lady, Piat does not prominently feature her image on main altar.

Stained glass featuring one of the miracles attributed to Our Lady of Piat

At the garden adjacent to the property is a spacious area where you can light candles to offer prayers for various intentions.

Candles are lit for various intentions including thanksgiving, prayers for the sick, assistance for upcoming exams, memorials for those who passed, etc.

A photo for posterity

The belltower appears to be a separate structure.

Basilica grounds include this covered walk with the trellis.

The other side of the basilica appears to be newer, perhaps recently renovated.

The Latin translates to "House of God and Gate to Heaven" at the front of the main chapel beside the basilica.

 

There were few people at the basilica when we arrived. Also, unlike other basilicas or shrines dedicated to Our Lady, there is no hourly Mass. The schedule follows that of typical churches where Masses are held mostly during Sundays.

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