The Antipolo Cathedral International Shrine

From Local Shrine to International Icon: The Story of Antipolo Cathedral

Catholicism is deeply ingrained in the fabric of daily life of its devotees, serving as a cornerstone of society. In the Philippines, Catholicism has profoundly shaped the Filipino psyche due to its extensive historical background and influence. The significance of churches, which function not only as sites of worship but also as pillars of community and unity is the driving force behind this devotion to faith.

Notable Catholic Churches and Cathedrals in the Philippines

Manila Cathedral (Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Parish)

Situated in Intramuros, Manila, the Manila Cathedral is the premier church of the Archdiocese of Manila. Dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, it has undergone several reconstructions due to natural disasters and wars throughout its history. The cathedral’s grand façade and majestic interior make it a popular destination for tourists and worshippers alike.

San Agustin Church

Located also within Intramuros, San Agustin Church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. Built in the 16th century, it boasts a Baroque architectural style and houses a museum showcasing religious artifacts and colonial-era artwork. The church is dedicated to St. Augustine and is known for its ornate interior and beautifully preserved cloisters.

Basilica Minore del Santo Niño

Found in Cebu City, Cebu, the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño is the oldest Roman Catholic church established in the Philippines. It houses the revered Santo Niño de Cebu (Holy Child of Cebu), a statue given by Ferdinand Magellan to Queen Juana during the arrival of Christianity in the archipelago. The basilica is a popular pilgrimage site, especially during the Sinulog Festival, which honors the Santo Niño.

Quiapo Church (Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene)

Situated in Quiapo, Manila, Quiapo Church is home to the revered image of the Black Nazarene, a dark-skinned statue of Jesus Christ believed to be miraculous. The shrine attracts millions of devotees who flock to the church during the annual Traslación, a procession commemorating the transfer of the image from Intramuros to Quiapo in the early 17th century.

Paoay Church (San Agustin Church of Paoay)

Located in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Paoay Church is renowned for its distinct Baroque architecture characterized by massive buttresses and intricate details. Constructed in the 18th century, the church is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the Philippines’ most significant cultural landmarks.

Antipolo Cathedral (Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage)

Located in Antipolo City, Rizal Province, Antipolo Cathedral is dedicated to Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Nuestra Señora dela Paz y Buen Viaje). It is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the country, attracting millions of devotees annually, especially during the pilgrimage season. The cathedral holds a significant place in Philippine religious history and culture, serving as both a national shrine and an international pilgrimage site.

Image taken by Gerald Escamos, from Unsplash

Antipolo Church as an International Shrine – A Glimpse of Hope and Resilience

Standing tall amidst the bustling energy of Antipolo City, the Antipolo Cathedral holds within its walls a captivating narrative. From its humble beginnings as a modest chapel to its recent elevation as the first Marian International Shrine in the Philippines, its journey is intertwined with faith, resilience, and unwavering devotion.

From Humble Beginnings to National Shrine: A Legacy of Devotion

The story of the Antipolo Cathedral, also known as Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, begins in the 16th century, with the arrival of Spanish missionaries in the Philippines.

Reverend Juan de Salazar established a small chapel at the foot of Marikina River, entrusting it to the care of the “Cofradia de la Virgen de la Paz y Buen Viaje,” a religious confraternity dedicated to the image of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage.

This wooden carving of the Blessed Virgin Mary, known affectionately as the “Lady of Antipolo” or “Ina ng Antipolo,” soon began attracting pilgrims from around the region, seeking solace, guidance, and safe passage in their journeys.

As the devotion to the Lady of Antipolo grew, so did the need for a larger sanctuary.

In 1948, construction commenced on a new shrine under the visionary leadership of architect José L. de Ocampo.

Completed in 1954, the majestic neo-Baroque structure became a testament to the enduring faith of the Filipino people.

On January 14th of the same year, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) declared the church as the National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, marking a significant milestone in its history.

A Monumental Elevation: Becoming the First Marian International Shrine

For decades, Antipolo Cathedral, also known as Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, has attracted millions of pilgrims annually.

It is especially honored during the Pilgrimage Season, which begins each year with the “Alay Lakad” penitential trek from the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene or Quiapo Church in Manila and ends with the Feast of the Lady of Antipolo on the first Tuesday of May.

Recognizing its importance beyond national bounds, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) supported a petition in 2021 to upgrade the national cathedral to the status of International Shrine.

This petition received unanimous acceptance from the Holy See, and on March 25, 2023, a papal decree validated the elevation, making Antipolo Cathedral the first Marian International Shrine in the Philippines and the 11th worldwide.

On January 26 of this year, nearly 80 bishops and hundreds of devotees attended the solemn declaration of the Antipolo Cathedral as an international, the first international shrine in Southeast Asia.

Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Charles John Brown D.D., led the solemn declaration of the International Shrine of Our Lady Peace and Good Voyage and was attended by various personalities, politicians and devotees across the country.

A symbolic coronation of the image of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage also took place before the ceremony.

The Catholic Church recognizes three types of shrines: diocesan shrines authorized by the local bishop, national shrines acknowledged by the bishops’ conference, and international shrines endorsed by the Vatican.

Antipolo Cathedral Today

Today, Antipolo Cathedral as a Roman Catholic Cathedral stands as a remarkable testament to faith, history, and cultural heritage. Its imposing facade and ornate interiors provide a haven for prayer and reflection. Whether you are a pilgrim seeking spiritual solace, a history buff intrigued by the past, or an art enthusiast marveling at the architecture, the Antipolo Cathedral International Shrine offers a unique experience.