174. Pilgrimage to Antipolo: The Revered Virgin of Antipolo

 

The Virgin of Antipolo, a revered 17th-century Roman Catholic wooden image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, holds a special place in the hearts of many Filipinos. Known for representing the Immaculate Conception as a Black Madonna, this sacred image is enshrined in the Antipolo Cathedral in Antipolo City. 

Governor-General Juan Niño de Tabora brought the statue to the Philippines from Mexico aboard the galleon El Almirante in 1626. The safe journey across the Pacific Ocean was attributed to the statue, which was subsequently named “Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage.” This title was further affirmed by six additional successful voyages of the Manila-Acapulco Galleons, with the image serving as the patroness aboard. 

The Virgin of Antipolo has become one of the most celebrated images of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Philippines. Devotion to the statue has grown significantly since the mid-19th century and is even mentioned in the writings of Jose Rizal. Each year, from May to July, millions of devotees from both the Philippines and abroad make pilgrimages to honor the image. Pope Pius XI authorized its Canonical Coronation on June 13, 1925, which was held on November 26, 1926. 

Historically, the Antipolo train line saw a significant increase in passengers during the month of May due to the festival, making it profitable only during that period. Unfortunately, the line struggled financially during the rest of the year and ultimately went bankrupt, ceasing operations in 1918. The train line was completely destroyed during World War II.