Latest Posts

today 2

Unleash Productivity and Creativity with the 3-in-1 Genius HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” (2025), Now Available for PHP 49,999

deped final today

DepEd, DOTr, and UK launch transit project to improve student commutes, build Education City under PBBM

trump 3

Political Pump Making Waves at Philippine Blockchain Week 2025: Pioneering the Future of Fair Memecoins

Antipolo Cathedral Now Declared as First ‘International Shrine’ in PH, Southeast Asia

church

SHARE

The Antipolo Cathedral, also known as the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage National Shrine, has been granted the status of Marian “International Shrine” by the Vatican, an elevation marked by a symbolic coronation and declaration ceremony conducted by Most Rev. Charles Brown, D.D., the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Friday, January 26. 

Most Rev. Brown reflected on the historical significance of “Our Lady of Antipolo” both in the Philippines and within the Catholic Church. He highlighted the profound expression of popular piety among Filipinos, citing events like the ‘Simbang Gabi’ masses held in anticipation of Christmas, the ‘Traslacion’ of the Black Nazarene, and the Sinulog Festival of Sto. Nino, which draws millions of Catholic faithful.

Photo courtesy: Facebook/The Antipolo Cathedral

He also acknowledged the tradition of the ‘Alay-Lakad’ procession in Antipolo as a remarkable pilgrimage experience. He emphasized the importance of ‘synodality’, wherein over 85 bishops participated in witnessing the declaration, as a means to bring believers closer to the church. Furthermore, Brown stressed the significance of church leaders engaging with the simple and impoverished followers of the Catholic faith. 

The presence of Brown, representing Pope Francis’s leadership, underscores the unity between the local and universal Catholic communities and grants international recognition to the local celebration. The Latin Decree was announced by Most Rev. Francisco De Leon, D.D., Bishop Emeritus of Antipolo, with Rev. Msgr. Bernardo Patin, the Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), who respectively recited the Latin and English versions of the Vatican decree.

Photo courtesy: Facebook/The Antipolo Cathedral

Among the attendees were First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Rizal Governor Rebecca Ynares, Antipolo City Mayor Jun Ynares, along with other local government officials and hundreds of priests from the Diocese of Antipolo. In this momentous event, pilgrims, dignitaries, and clergy gather in Antipolo to observe the formal announcement of the 450-year-old cathedral, which houses the revered image of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and Madrigal Singers performed for this important ceremony.

During his sermon, Brown emphasized the significance of the Antipolo Cathedral’s recognition as an international shrine, its importance in showcasing the global nature of the Philippine Catholic Church. He specifically noted the Virgin of Antipolo’s significance to migrants who seek safety during their journeys.

Photo courtesy: Facebook/The Antipolo Cathedral

“You have been gifted to give and you’re giving that gift all over the world – and our Lady here in Antipolo is really the mother of that gift, because that gift is Jesus,” he said. 

In the meantime, Bishop Ruperto Santos of Antipolo conveyed his appreciation for the formal declaration of the international shrine, characterizing it as “the Philippine Church’s offering to the global community.” 

After this, Bishop Santos urged the clergy to transform the shrine into a symbol of love, charity, and compassion, emphasizing that this should be their central mission going forward, portraying it as Mary’s abode.

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo: Facebook/ The Antipolo Cathedral

RELATED ARTICLES

today 2

Unleash Productivity and Creativity with the 3-in-1 Genius HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” (2025), Now Available for PHP 49,999

HUAWEI empowers you to unleash your full creativity and productivity with the HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” (2025). As HUAWEI’s most advanced tablet to date, this...
deped final today

DepEd, DOTr, and UK launch transit project to improve student commutes, build Education City under PBBM

The Department of Education (DepEd) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and...
trump 3

Political Pump Making Waves at Philippine Blockchain Week 2025: Pioneering the Future of Fair Memecoins

In a sea of hype-driven token launches and fleeting pump-and-dump schemes, Political Pump is emerging as a cultural movement for the next generation of crypto...
deped 2

DepEd seeks stronger ties with DPWH, LGUs to build more access roads to schools 

The Department of Education (DepEd) is pushing for a stronger partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and local government units (LGUs)...
deped 1

DepEd boosts education futures push under PBBM administration

In the wake of the Philippines’ latest global ranking in education readiness, the Department of Education (DepEd) has reaffirmed its commitment to building a future-ready...
bible 1

Ezekiel’s Vision Is Not Your Sunday School Angels

When we think of angels, we often picture radiant beings in flowing white robes, maybe strumming harps or hovering peacefully with delicate wings. But in...
today 2

Unleash Productivity and Creativity with the 3-in-1 Genius HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” (2025), Now Available for PHP 49,999

HUAWEI empowers you to unleash your full creativity and productivity with the HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” (2025). As HUAWEI’s most advanced tablet to date, this...
deped final today

DepEd, DOTr, and UK launch transit project to improve student commutes, build Education City under PBBM

The Department of Education (DepEd) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and...
trump 3

Political Pump Making Waves at Philippine Blockchain Week 2025: Pioneering the Future of Fair Memecoins

In a sea of hype-driven token launches and fleeting pump-and-dump schemes, Political Pump is emerging as a cultural movement for the next generation of crypto...

Don't Miss

Screenshot

Support Israel: Key Contact Numbers and Websites

Screenshot

As Iran Strikes, Israelis Turn to Prayer in Bomb Shelters

israel final

God’s Promise of Protection Over Israel in the Bible

Screenshot

End Times Prophecy: Which Nations Will Come Against Israel?