It’s official! The Antipolo Cathedral also known as Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage has announced that they have reached the status of international shrine, making them 1st in Southeast Asia and 11th in the world.

Based on the video posted on the Cathedral’s official facebook page, His Excellency Most Rev. Francisco M. De Leon, D.D., the Bishop of Antipolo said “It is my great joy and honor to announce that today, March 25, 2023 Saturday, on the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, and on the 397th Anniversary of the Departure of the Miraculous Image of the Virgin Mary from Acapulo, Mexico to the Philippines Islands together with then Governor-General Juan Niño de Tabora the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Antipolo is now elevated to the status of an International Shrine by the Holy Se.”

Bishop De Leon then read the letter sent to him by the Dicastery for Evangelization Section for Fundamental Questions regarding Evangelization in the World. “Your Excellency, I am very happy to inform you…”positis quibus de iure ponendis” has decided to grant your petition of August 8, 2021. Protocol Number 534/21, to elevate to international status, the National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage at Antipolo in the Philippines…..The relative decree of which I enclosed herewith 3 copies in the original Latin together with an Italian translation will come into effect on March 25, 2023.” read by Bishop De Leon.

“It is my great joy and honor to announce that today, March 25, 2023 Saturday, on the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, and on the 397th Anniversary of the Departure of the Miraculous Image of the Virgin Mary from Acapulo, Mexico to the Philippines Islands together with then Governor-General Juan Niño de Tabora the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Antipolo is now elevated to the status of an International Shrine by the Holy Se.”

Last 2021, the Cathedral sent a petition letter to the Vatican dated July 26 and was sent to the President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization His Excellency Most Rev. Salvatore Fisichella, D.D.. The petition letter mentioned the important role of the Cathedral’s patroness, Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, in the spiritual formation of not only all the Catholic community but also all the pilgrims in the world. Hence, Rev Fr. Reynante U. Tolentino, the Shrine rector of the Cathedral and Bishop De Leon recommended the National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage to become the International Shrine.

In his homily, Bishop De Leon mentioned that the now International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage is the first in Southeast Asia, and 3rd in Asia with Saint Thomas Church in Malayattoor in India and Haemi Martyrdom Holy Ground in South Korea. The Antipolo Cathedral is now the First Marian International Shrine in Asia and 6th in the world.