The National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo City has been declared as an “international shrine."
CBCP News said Antipolo Bishop Francisco de Leon on Saturday said that the Vatican approved their petition to give the shrine, which is also the Cathedral of the diocese, with such privilege.
“We received a letter from Rome saying that on June 18, our national shrine will be recognized as an international shrine,” De Leon said.
The bishop made the announcement in his homily during Mass at the cathedral to celebrate the diocese’s 39th founding anniversary.
De Leon said the diocese has yet to receive a copy of the official declaration.
According to CBCP News, the Antipolo shrine becomes the 11th international shrine and the third in Asia after the St. Thomas Church Malayattoor in India, and the Haemi Martyrdom Holy Ground together with the Seoul Pilgrimage Routes in South Korea.
It added that it is the first Marian international shrine in Asia, and the sixth in the world.
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.