ANTIPOLO (SE): The Diocese of Antipolo, the Philippines, has encouraged both Filipino and foreign devotees to venerate the Blessed Mother as part of preparations for the commemoration of the designation of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage as an International Shrine CBCP News reported on October 29.
Speaking on on Radio Veritas Local 846, Bishop Ruperto Santos of Antipolo advised, “You should introduce your Mother; be proud of your Mother.”
He added, “We go out of the country to bring the Blessed Mother, Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buenviaje so that [in other] dioceses as well as companies they will [pray] novena to our Blessed Mother.”
Colloquially referred to as the Antipolo Cathedral, the site will become the Philippines’ first international shrine. It will rank eleventh globally and third in Asia among international shrines.
The Antipolo Cathedral holds immense historical and cultural significance and the shrine’s international recognition serves as evidence of its profound historical significance and the unwavering devotion of its devotees.
Catholics in the Philippines have historically visited the National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage to venerate that image of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage and seek her blessings for protection and safe journeys.
Pope Francis recognised the Church as an international shrine on March 25, while the declaration is set to happen on 26 January 2024.
According to Bishop Santos, Father Reynante Tolentino, the rector of Antipolo Cathedral, and his colleagues have been bringing the image of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage to various parishes abroad.
The programmes in the cathedral and the parishes include “Hapag ni Maria” or Mary’s Table. More than a feeding programme, it also provides skills training and vocational education for the disadvantaged and supports youth development.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
“As we said, we will not only feed them, but we will make them live—meaning not only fed but also strengthened and living with recognition of their human person with dignity,” the bishop said.
He emphasised the significance of endowing individuals with the dignity of labour, as it empowers them to generate their own food and apparel as well as finance the education of their children
