Known officially as the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, the Antipolo Cathedral is a revered Roman Catholic cathedral and a significant pilgrimage destination located in Antipolo City, Philippines.
With origins tracing back to 1591, the cathedral was founded by the Society of Jesus under the leadership of Rev. Juan de Salazar.
Since 1626, it has enshrined the venerated image of Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buen Viaje (Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage), a Black Madonna representation of the Blessed Virgin Mary that was brought from Mexico.
This 17th-century wooden statue has become a symbol of pilgrimage for generations of Filipinos seeking safety and tranquility on their journeys.
Over centuries, the cathedral has had a long history of devotion and perseverance, having endured various calamities—from the Chinese uprising in 1639 to numerous earthquakes and bombings during World War II—yet it was faithfully rebuilt, most notably in 1954 under architect José L. de Ocampo.
In 1983, it was granted cathedral status, and in January 2024, the Vatican elevated it to the rank of an international shrine, making it the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. This rare designation, shared by only 11 sites worldwide, highlights its significance in the realm of Catholic devotion.
Today, the Antipolo Cathedral serves as a vital religious center, drawing millions of devotees annually, particularly during the pilgrimage season in May. The site’s historical significance is tied to its role as a spiritual destination for pilgrims traveling to the “mountainous pueblo” of Antipolo from various parts of the old Maynilad region.
Additionally, the cathedral remains a popular site for vehicle blessings, symbolizing safe travels—a tribute to its patroness’s maritime legacy.