AHEAD of his installation on Saturday, July 22, 2023, incoming Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Santos bared his plans to transform the Diocese of Antipolo into the “Center of Marian Devotions” in the country.
In a radio interview, Santos said he would want to enhance the significance of the Diocese being the home of the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (also known as Antipolo Church).
"We want to be the center of cultural, theological, and Marian conferences and congresses so that the devotion to Mary will be wider and deeper," said Santos.
It was in June 2022 when the Vatican bestowed the Antipolo Cathedral with the title of an international shrine.
The Antipolo Cathedral is home to the 17th century image of the brown-skinned Madonna known to devotees as “Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buen Viaje.”
Santos is set to be installed as the new bishop of Antipolo on Saturday, July 22.
The 65-year-old prelate will be installed at 10 a.m. at the Antipolo Cathedral.
“Please help me with your prayers. Remember me always at the altar of our Lord. Intercede for me to our Blessed Mother Mary that my episcopal ministry be like her: peace, good, and full of grace,” Santos said.
He will be succeeding Bishop Emeritus Francisco De Leon after his retirement was accepted by Pope Francis last May 24.
Santos was immediately appointed to the post after serving as bishop of Balanga since July 2010. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)