Marian devotees and pilgrims in Rizal Province and nearby cities in Metro Manila may participate in any of the nine scheduled Holy Masses on Thursday, Sept. 8, in observance of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s birthday at the International Shrine of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo City.
The Antipolo’s Marian shrine, also known as the Antipolo Cathedral, declared by the Vatican as the first ever international shrine in the Philippines and the first Marian international shrine in Asia, will celebrate masses at 6 a.m.; 7 a.m.; 8 a.m.; 9 a.m.; 10 a.m.; 12 noon; 4 p.m.; 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.
The date this year of the celebration of the birthday of the Virgin Mary, whose title, the Nuestra Señora dela Paz y Buen Viaje, also coincides with the 369th anniversary of the declaration of the same title as ordered by then Governor General Sabiniano Manrique de Lara.
In Cardona, Rizal, where the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, otherwise known as the La Virgen De Sapao is located, cakes, cupcakes and breads to be brought by the parishioners, will be blessed by the priest during the 6:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. masses. The pastries will then be shared among the parishioners as part of the celebration of the Virgin Mary’s natal day in the town.
A procession of the image may also take place in other parts of the province as part of the Marian devotion of many Roman Catholics in the province.