[7] It was further expanded under the term of Benito de la Pila between 1856 and 1866 with the addition of the transept in the shape of a rotunda and cupola.

[7] Manuel Gonzáles bought the administration building (casa administración) used by the provincial head of the Franciscans for 962 pesos in 1855.

Together with Samuel Mena, Gonzáles restored the old Tribunal built by Governor La O, which had been unused since it had burnt down in 1877.

[8] The church's patio played a significant role during the struggle of the Filipino revolutionaries against Spain.

General Vicente Lukban and his troops surrendered to the Spanish army on the patio on August 13, 1898, while the Philippine flag was waved from the church's belfry.

[2] During the Second World War, the church's convento was used as a garrison by the occupying Japanese Imperial Army.

[7] On October 18, 1988, the church was raised to the rank of Minor Basilica by Pope John Paul II through the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments,[8] and was proclaimed during Mass on January 21, 1989.

Stone lions in front of the building show a link to the presence of Chinese traders before the Spanish colonial era.

[11] The bottom level of the façade is marked by the main doors flanked by two niches in Mudejar style, as well as the stone lions.

The second level has the side and central windows of the choir loft, with sashes made with capiz shells.

[13] An image of the Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles ("Our Lady of Angels") is enshrined in the central retablo of the main altar.

[17] In 2011 the lighting of the façade was converted to solar energy using photovoltaic power panels and other devices.

On Holy Week, a stage play depicting the passion and death of Jesus Christ can be viewed on the church patio.