The sacred tradition of touching and kissing the white mantle of the 17th century old image of the Nuestra Señora Dela Paz Y Buenviaje inside the International Shrine of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo City will resume on Thursday, August 15.
Antipolo Bishop Ruperto C. Santos, in his open letter addressed to the parishioners and devotees of the Virgin of Antipolo, announced that the “cherished tradition of kissing the mantle of the revered brown-skinned image of the Virgin Mary will be allowed again after a period of interruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Bishop Santos said that the practice is considered sacred as it is full of reverence and devotion to the Virgin Mary, whose mantle in her image, symbolizes her protective cloak that represents her maternal care, compassion, and intercession.
The Antipolo bishop added that the act of kissing the mantle is an expression of love, trust, and hope for the devotees.
“Now, as we gradually return to normalcy, we invite you, to once again approach the image of Our Lady, touch her mantle, and offer your prayers. Let this simple, yet profound gesture, strengthen our faith and deepen our connection with the Mother of God, as she offers courage and hope to unite ourselves more fully to Christ,” said Bishop Santos.
(Photos from Antipolo Cathedral's Facebook)
Prior to the pandemic, pilgrims would line up at the entrance to the stairs where the main altar is located for the veneration of the brown-skinned image of the Our Lady of Antipolo. The room also serves as a museum where the Marian image’s garments, bottles of perfumes, and jewelry pieces which were donated by devotees, are displayed.