Antipolo Cathedral to Be Declared International Shrine, Over 80 Bishops to Attend

ANTIPOLO – The Antipolo Cathedral is set to be declared as an international shrine on Friday, with the expected presence of over 80 bishops. The historic event will be marked by a Mass at 10 a.m., led by Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles Brown.

According to Philippines News Agency, The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news website reported that the Catholic prelates will gather for this significant occasion. The ceremony will commence with a procession of the image of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage at 8 a.m., followed by a coronation rite at 9:30 a.m., conducted by Brown and Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Santos.

In June 2022, the Vatican approved the elevation of the cathedral to the status of an international shrine, making it the first in Southeast Asia and the 11th globally. The Vatican decree, which took effect on March 25 last year, recognized the cathedral as a sacred place meeting specific requirements for shrine designation.

The Antipolo Cathedral, also known as the Philippines’ first national shrine, is a renowned pilgrimage site for devotees of Our Lady of Antipolo. The declaration as an international shrine further underscores its significance in the Catholic faith.

This event coincides with the bishops’ attendance at a seminar in Manila, in preparation for their 127th plenary assembly at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center, scheduled from January 27 to 29.