Bishops, devotees mark declaration of Antipolo Cathedral as international shrine

Amid a festive atmosphere on the city streets, Catholic devotees and over 80 bishops from across the country attended Friday the solemn declaration of the Antipolo Cathedral as an international shrine — the first of its kind in Southeast Asia.

Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles John Brown D.D. presided over the Rite of Solemn Declaration of the Antipolo Cathedral as the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage.

The Decree in Latin was proclaimed during the rite, with an English translation read to attendees which included First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos. Lay people offered candles and flowers in thanksgiving.

Prior to the Mass, the symbolical coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary was held, symbolizing the cathedral's "new journey as an international shrine," according to a social media post by the Antipolo Cathedral.

A large number of devotees flocked for the procession for public veneration of the image of the Virgin of Antipolo in front of the venue.

Marching bands and devotees alike danced to lively music near the cathedral and on Antipolo's streets.

The Catholic's Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said the Antipolo Cathedral is the first international shrine in Southeast Asia and only the 11th worldwide.

It is the third in Asia following St. Thomas Church Malayattoor in India, and the Haemi Martyrdom Holy Ground together with the Seoul Pilgrimage Routes in South Korea.

However, it is the first Marian international shrine in Asia, and the sixth such shrine in the world, the CBCP said.

It is also country's first national shrine, and a popular pilgrimage site of the devotees of the Our Lady of Antipolo.

The Vatican in June 2022 approved the petition to elevate the Antipolo Cathedral to an international shrine.

Its elevation as an international shrine on March 25, 2023 is also the day when the image of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage departed from Acapulco, Mexico on board a galleon 397 years ago.

According to the Antipolo Cathedral, the galleon's three-month voyage was battered by storms and almost caught on fire. Despite the circumstances, it arrived safely on Philippine shores on June 18, 1626 — thus its title, Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage.

The Catholic Church has three kinds of shrines: diocesan shrines, approved by the local bishop; national shrines, recognized by the bishops’ conference; and, international shrines, endorsed by the Vatican. — VDV, GMA Integrated News