A replica statue of the revered Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Our Lady of Antipolo) was recently enthroned at the Magallanes Shrine in Limasawa Island.
According to the CBCP, Diocese of Maasin Bishop Prescioso Cantillas welcomed the image at the Maasin Cathedral on Aug. 6 before it was brought and enthroned at the Magallanes Shrine in Limasawa Island on Aug. 8.
Rev. Fr. Reynante Tolentino, rector of the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Antipolo Cathedral), presided over the Holy Mass during the enthronement rites.
“Ever since the image of the Blessed Virgin came to our country, she has strengthened our faith, hope and love,” said Fr. Francis Edward Baasis of the Antipolo Diocesan Commission on Social Communications in his homily.
“And now that she is already here also reminds us to imitate her in serving her Son and the Church in our country,” he added.
After reading the certificate of donation, parish priest Fr. Reynaldo Alonzo Jr stressed the importance of the Blessed Mother’s image in the island. According to him, the residents of the island often have to cross to the mainland by sea.
“The image and presence of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage is very relevant to us because it reminds us that our Mother, the Blessed Mary, is our guide, always our guide for a safe trip towards the mainland,” Fr. Alonzo said.
Replica images of Our Lady of Antipolo had been enshrined in other parishes to help spread devotion to the Blessed Mother.
In Nov. 2022, a replica image was enshrined at the Church of the Assumption in Connecticut’s Westport community.
A replica was also enthroned at the Basilica di Santo Stefano Maggiore in Milan, Italy in Oct. 2021.