The Diocese of Antipolo on Wednesday celebrates the 72nd anniversary of the designation of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Antipolo Cathedral) as a National Shrine.
Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Cruz Santos led the Jubilee Door opening Mass as the Antipolo Cathedral has been designated as a Jubilee Voyage Church ahead of the 400th anniversary of the Marian image’s arrival in the country.
During the Eucharistic celebration, Bishop Santos urged Catholics to have courage in bringing the teachings of Jesus Christ to marginalized communities, a mission guided by the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“This Jubilee is also a call to a mission,” Santos said during his homily. “We are called to move from fear to courage, from hesitation to proclamation.”
“The Blessed Mother does not only simply protect us. She is accompanying us as we bring the Gospel to our families, to our workplaces, our barangays, the poor and the forgotten,” he added.
The prelate also called on the faithful to seek the Blessed Mother’s support, especially when facing hardships in life.
“May she guide our steps, may she calm our storms, may she lead us safely to her Son, and may every voyage we make, whether across the oceans or across the streets of our town, province, and cities, be a voyage of faith, of hope, and love,” Santos said.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines said after a three-month voyage, the Marian image arrived safely in the Philippines despite being battered by storms and almost catching fire.
In the Catholic Church, a Jubilee or Holy Year is a special year of forgiveness and reconciliation.
Catholics visiting a Jubilee Church can receive plenary indulgences or forgiveness of sin. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BAP, GMA Integrated News
