Gazing upon the Diocese of Antipolo, can you sense the weight of history and faith it carries? The Diocese of Antipolo stands as a testament to the enduring power of belief. It embraces the province of Rizal and Marikina City in Metro Manila. The diocese is a relatively young one, established on June 25, 1983. But its roots are deep, woven into the fabric of the Archdiocese of Manila from which it was carved. Originally known as the Ecclesiastical District of Eastern Rizal, this area buzzed with spiritual energy long before it became its own diocese.
The Diocese of Antipolo isn’t just a geographical designation. It’s a vibrant community of faith. It’s home to a staggering number of Catholics, over three million as of 2021. This makes it one of the largest dioceses in the Philippines, ranking third after the Archdiocese of Cebu and the Diocese of Malolos. The diocese is shepherded by Bishop Ruperto Santos, the fifth bishop to hold this esteemed position. He took the reins in July 2023, following Bishop Francisco Mendoza de Leon.
At the heart of the Diocese lies the Antipolo Cathedral. This isn’t just any cathedral. It’s the Cathedral-Parish of the Immaculate Conception and the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. This shrine holds a special place in the hearts of Filipinos. It houses the revered image of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, also known as the Virgin of Antipolo. This image is canonically crowned, a testament to its significance in the Catholic faith.
The diocese has seen its share of changes over the years. It experienced some jurisdictional shifts when the Diocese of Pasig was created, resulting in the transfer of six parishes. It has also held two Diocesan Synods, the first in 1993 and a second planned for 2010, demonstrating its commitment to growth and adaptation. The Diocese of Antipolo isn’t static. It continues to evolve, to serve its ever-growing community, guided by faith and the legacy of its patron saint, Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. As we stand here, before this beacon of faith, we’re not just observing a building. We’re witnessing a living testament to the power of belief, a story still being written.