ANTIPOLO CATHEDRAL NOW AN INTERNATIONAL SHRINE

THE Vatican has elevated the Antipolo Cathedral known as the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage National Shrine in Antipolo City to the status of Marian International Shrine.

Most Rev. Charles Brown, D.D., the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, on Friday led the symbolc coronation and rite of solemn declaration.

Brown reflected on the role of the Our Lady of Antipolo in the history of the country and the Catholic Church.

“The phenomenon of popular piety, the religiosity of the masses… is so evident here in the Philippines. Indeed, it was only last month that all were gathered for the ‘Simbang Gabi’ masses in anticipation of Christmas, a beautiful example of the Philippine popular piety,” he said.

The church leader also recounted the “Traslacion” event of the Black Nazarene and the Sinulog Festival of Sto. Nino as examples of the popular piety of Filipinos, which were both attended by millions of Catholic faithful early this month.

He contemplated the tradition of ‘Alay-Lakad’ procession in Antipolo every April 30th and May 1^st, which he referred to as “a wonderful pilgrimage on foot.”

According to the Papal Nuncio, the “synodality” led by more than 85 bishops that witnessed the declaration shall make believers closer to the church.

He said the presence of church leaders in the ceremony serves as a reminder to “walk and listen” to the simple and poor followers of the Catholic church.

The arrival of Brown, representing the leadership of Pope Francis, marks the interconnectedness of the local church with the universal Catholic community, and bestows global recognition to the local celebration.

Most. Rev. Francisco De Leon, D.D., Bishop Emeritus of Antipolo proclaimed the Latin Decree while Rev. Msgr. Bernardo Patin read its English translation.

Also present during the ceremonies were First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Rizal Gov. Rebecca Ynares, Antipolo City Mayor Jun Ynares, other officials from the local government, and hundreds of priests from the Diocese of Antipolo.