preciousse

[preciousse]

A PILGRIMAGE TO THE CATHEDRAL

I felt my heart grow with every breath as I wandered down the cobblestone walkways surrounding the place. Peace came freely and gratitude bubbled to the surface. I have always fallen in love with the architecture, the food from the Pasalubong Center nearby, the tranquility through the silence it offers, and the constant ebb and flow of this historic site rooted in a past that felt enormous for my mind to grasp.

Declared as the National Shrine to Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in 1954, the Immaculate Concepcion Parish, or better known as the Antipolo Cathedral, is a well-recognized Roman Catholic Church in Antipolo City. For three centuries, this church has been the site of religious pilgrimages from all across the country. 

Antipolo Church was originally constructed between 1630 and 1633 by Jesuit Priest Juan de Salazar. It was however burnt during the Chinese revolt of November 1639 to March 1640. Salazar reconstructed it in 1637, but earthquakes in years 1645, 1824, and 1863 destroyed the church. It was only in 1965, the year it was declared a National Shrine, when the church was rebuilt by Monsignor Francisco Avendano.

In truth, the parish stands and houses the image of Nuestra Señora dela Paz y Buen Viaje on the actual site where the statue was discovered leaning against a Tipulo tree—bringing forth the city's name, Antipolo.  

The Antipolo Cathedral, until the present, remains as a healing place for most souls. And as we continue trying to get through each day in the face of a global pandemic, the cathedral still has its doors open for the downhearted. This is in the observance of health and safety protocols such as maintaining social distancing, self-screening, wearing masks, and regular disinfection.

I looked around once more, closed my eyes, and let the moment flow through my chest. Filled with paintings, sculptures, and frescoes, this fascinating cathedral has survived three hundred years and still stands as strong as the faith of the Filipino people. The ever-welcoming silence and light filling the atmosphere of the shrine will continue as testimonies to every story of grief, happiness, love, faith, and hope.