A year after being recognized as an international shrine, the Antipolo Cathedral or the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, received the Rosa d’Oro or gift of the Golden Rose from the Vatican on Monday, February 26, Rizal Governor Nina Ynares said.
(Photo from Antipolo Cathedral's Facebook)
"Ang paggawad pong ito, na siyang pinakamataas na pagkilala ng santo papa sa isang Marian image o shrine, ay nagsisilbing pag-asa at patunay sa matibay na pananampalataya nating mga Rizalenyo (This recognition, which is the highest commendation given by the Pope to any Marian image or shrine, is proof of the strong faith of Rizalenyos)," Ynares said.
The Misa de Gracia or Thanksgiving Mass was presided by His Excellency Salvatore "Rino" Fisachella D.D., together with the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Most Rev. Charles John Brown D.D., and was also attended by other clergies from the Diocese of Antipolo, and other government officials.
"We are truly blessed to be part of this extraordinary celebration, dahil ngayon po, kinikilala na ng buong mundo ang history, faith, at culture nating mga taga-Rizal. We are indeed making history as we give thanks and celebrate in unity (We are truly blessed to be part of this extraordinary celebration because now, the history, faith, and culture of Rizalenyos are being recognized by the whole world. We are indeed making history as we give thanks and celebrate in unity," Ynares said.
The Rosa d’Oro is considered as the highest honor given personally by the Pontiff to a Marian image and shrine across the world as it is a commissioned gift from the Pope himself.
During the Middle Ages, roses made of pure gold have been traditionally blessed by the Pope every 4th Sunday of Lent, wherein he puts incense in the censer, and incenses the balsam and then the musk, and afterward puts the balsam and powdered musk into the tiny cup in the heart of the principal rose. He then incenses the rose and sprinkles it with holy water. It is then kept until it is granted by a pontiff to an image or shrine.
Antipolo's Rosa d’Oro is a milestone for the province of Rizal as this is the first time that a Marian shrine in the country and on the whole Asian region was given the honor.
This is also the ninth time Pope Francis has given this gift to a Marian shrine across the world. His first offering was during the Year of Faith at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico in 2013.