Hundreds of devotees of Nuestra Señora Dela Paz Y Buenviaje, also known as the Birhen ng Antipolo (Virgin of Antipolo), joined the evening procession as part of the celebration for the elevation of the Antipolo Cathedral into an international shrine effective March 25.
From the main altar, the original 17th century image of the Blessed Virgin Mary holding a scepter and a rosary was placed on the golden carroza adorned with fresh white roses and brought outside the cathedral for the start of the procession before 6 p.m. on March 25, following the late afternoon Mass.
The churchgoers raised their hands and chanted “Viva La Virgen” (Hail to the Virgin) as the cathedral staff shouted in front of the microphone signaling the start of the procession.
Those who joined the procession were holding lighted candles while praying the Holy Rosary.
The original 17th century image of the Nuestra Senora dela Paz Y Buenviaje (Photo by Nel Andrade/Manila Bulletin)
Earlier in the day, Bishop Francis de Leon officially announced the elevation of the Antipolo Cathedral into an international shrine following the approval of the Vatican, making the religious site as the first international shrine in the Philippines and Southeast Asia, and 11th in the world.
The elevation of the shrine’s status also made it as the sixth Marian International Shrine in the world.
Confetti and fragrant petals were also showered on the image during the procession followed by devotees and the marching band.
Earlier, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos issued a statement via a Twitter post expressing his elation over the Vatican’s declaration of elevation of the Antipolo Cathedral as an international shrine.
The President said the shrine’s new status would further strengthen the faith of the Filipino Catholics.
The papal decree of elevation of the Antipolo Cathedral took effect on March 25, which also coincided with the anniversary of the brown Marian image’s departure from Acapulco in Mexico to the Philippines via the galleon, El Almirante, in 1626.
The Antipolo Marian shrine has been drawing millions of pilgrims every year, specially during Holy Thursday and Good Friday when the traditional (Alay Lakad) Penitential Walk of devotees happens, and during the Maytime pilgrimage season from May to July.
History books also revealed that the young Jose Rizal, the country’s national hero, together with his father Don Francisco Mercado were among the devotees and visitors of the shrine in 1800s.
The original Antipolo Cathedral was established in 1632 but its present day structure was completed in 1954, according to the record of the cathedral.
Rev. Fr. Reynante Tolentino, the shrine rector, said the shrine’s main altar is currently undergoing minor repainting and restoration in time for the Holy Week and the eventual official solemn ceremony for its new status.