Marian image from Antipolo to visit 3 churches in Cebu
A replica of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage of Antipolo will be brought to three churches in Cebu on Sept. 12 in line with the 91st anniversary of its canonical coronation.
First to receive the statue will be the National Shrine of St. Joseph in Mandaue, to be followed by the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral and Basilica Minore del Santo Niño.
PJ Balasabas, assistant secretary of Hermandad de la Correa y de Sta. Rita de Cascia, said that Our Lady of Antipolo is one of the oldest Marian images in the world. It was brought in the country from Mexico in 1626.
He also said that the image has survived and remained intact despite several attempts to destroy it.
If an image is canonically crowned, it means it is recognized by the Pope.
Balasabas also named three canonically crowned images in Cebu. These are the images of the Santo Niño, Birhen de la Regla and Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Once an image is canonically crowned, it is bestowed a special crown made of gold, diamonds and other gems.
Our Lady of Antipolo’s crown is estimated to be worth P3.5 million.
Rev. Fr. Randy Lozano believes that the image’s visit to Cebu is timely and significant because of the killings and the crisis in Marawi.
He said, “This visit would really help every individual to awaken again spiritually. This visit is not only important to Cebuanos but to the whole country. This is the moment for people to pray for themselves and for everybody. Because our time today limits prayer. Through prayers hopefully, miracles will happen.”
During Our Lady of Antipolo’s visit, there will be a procession on Sept. 13, passing Tabor Hills, San Jose Road, Tigbao Road, Talamban highway up to Kauswagan Road at 6:30 p.m.
Heavy traffic is expected in these areas until 9 p.m.
The replica of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage will return to Antipolo on Sept. 14.