New Diocese of Antipolo Bishop Ruperto C. Santos hopes to further promote devotion to the highly revered Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in addition to Antipolo’s old culture and traditions.
Bishop Ruperto C. Santos (Manila Bulletin file)
Antipolo, Bishop Santos said, is famous for its scenic spots like the Hinulagang Taktak as well as its rich culture and traditions.
“Most of all, I’m looking forward to help further promote devotion to the Virgin of Antipolo not only in the country but across the world,” the Church leader said over Radio Veritas.
“Antipolo can serve as the center of cultural and theological and Marian conferences and seminars,” the bishop said.
The Antipolo Cathedral has been declared as the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, making the historic church the 11th international shrine of the Blessed Mother in the world and the first in the Philippines and in Asia.
“I hope to help spread devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary by sending the image of Our Lady of Good Voyage to different countries,” Bishop Santos said.
Bishop Santos is set to be formally welcomed as the new bishop of the Diocese of Antipolo on July 22. He will succeed Bishop Francisco de Leon who has retired upon reaching 75 years old, the mandatory retirement age for bishops.
Several church leaders are expected to attend the event including Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles John Brown and Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula.