(ZENIT News / Antilopo, Philippines, 02.03.2024).- On the morning of last February 26, the Pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, Monsignor Rino Fisichella, presided over the Eucharistic celebration at the International Shrine “Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage” from Antipolo, in the Philippines. A month ago, on January 26, the Antipolo Shrine was solemnly declared an International Shrine.
The Mass with Monsignor Fisichella and the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Monsignor Charles John Brown, took place after three days of prayer and thanksgiving for the historic event, from February 23 to 25. Also present at the celebration were the Archbishop of Manila, Cardinal Jose Fuerte Advincula, the Bishop of Antipolo, Monsignor Ruperto Santos, and the rector of the Shrine, Father Reynante Tolentino, along with other bishops of the Philippine dioceses, priests, deacons, seminarians, consecrated people and thousands of lay faithful.
«The presence of such a Shrine – said the Pro-prefect during the homily – is a sign of grace that calls us all to the profound witness of faith. We are in the Sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God who intercedes for us, above all, so that peace reigns in the entire world and in our homes. The pilgrim who comes to “Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage”, the bishop continued, “knows that she cannot leave the Sanctuary without carrying with her the message of peace that the Mother of God gives. The pilgrimage to the International Shrine has the mission of spiritually uniting Christians with all believers around the world. Being an International Sanctuary is not only a privilege that is granted, but a mission that must be shared.
Bishop Fisichella concluded with a mandate: “May this house of God be, therefore, a place where faith is strengthened through incessant prayer that rises to the Father through the intercession of the Virgin Mary; hope is strengthened for the path we must travel until we reach the final goal; and charity is lived abundantly from the heart, recognizing the forms of mercy that the Lord has left us. Next year, on the occasion of the 2025 Jubilee, he recalled his Excellency, the pilgrims from Antipolo who will go to Rome for the Holy Year will also have the responsibility of being “Pilgrims of Hope”.
At the beginning of the Mass, the Pro-prefect placed in front of the image of the Virgin Mary the “Golden Rose”, offered as a gift to the Shrine by Pope Francis. It is the first time that a Marian Shrine in the Philippines, and in the entire Asian continent, receives such recognition from the Holy Father. «On the occasion of this honor granted to our Shrine – they wrote in the final prayer of thanks –, we truly become bearers of the word and love of God, manifesting devotion to the Blessed Virgin of Antipolo and committing ourselves to charitable works. ».
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