The country’s oldest national shrine joins other Marian sanctuaries around the world in a Vatican-initiated global prayer marathon for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Each day in May, the praying of the Holy Rosary will be broadcast live on all Vatican media platforms from one of the 30 chosen Marian shrines.
Pope Francis will open the month-long Rosary initiative on May 1 and will conclude it on May 31.
The National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, also known as the Antipolo Cathedral, is scheduled to lead the prayer on May 7 for the intentions of families.
The shrine joins other famous Marian sanctuaries around the world, including the Basilica of the Annunciation in Israel, Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico, Mother Mary’s House in Turkey and Our Lady of Lourdes in France, among others.
The Philippines’ Catholic bishops declared the cathedral as a national shrine in 1954, making it not just the first in the country but also in Southeast Asia.
The Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization has earlier announced the Rosary initiative dedicating the whole month of May to prayer for an end of the health crisis.
