Cardinal Tagle inspires devotees with message of Christian hope at Antipolo Marian Festival

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle calls on Marian devotees to embrace Christian hope as a divine virtue poured into their hearts by God through the Holy Spirit, inspiring them to live with faith and love in their spiritual journey.

Tagle shared this inspiring message during the first-ever Annual International Marian Festival held at the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, also known as the Antipolo Cathedral, from January 9 to 11, 2025.

Themed "Our Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Mother and Our Model in Our Pilgrimage of Hope," the event was a profound expression of faith and devotion to the Miraculous Virgin of Antipolo, the beloved Mother of the Filipino people.

The three-day festival began on January 9 with a focus on the Sacrament of Confession, offering devotees an opportunity for spiritual renewal and a deeper connection with God.

The second day, January 10, emphasized the virtue of charity, inspiring participants to reach out to those in need as an expression of their Marian devotion.

The event culminated on January 11 with the highly anticipated Marian Conference and Mass, presided over by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization.

Addressing thousands of devotees, Tagle delivered a heartfelt homily that underscored the Blessed Virgin Mary as a model of true Christian hope.

"Our Lady invites us to embrace real hope, one that comes only from God," Cardinal Tagle proclaimed, urging the faithful to root their lives in divine love rather than the fleeting promises of the world.

The cardinal also connected his message to the Jubilee Year 2025 theme, "Pilgrims of Hope." He warned against the dangers of false hope that lead to violence and pain, urging the faithful to purify their notions of happiness, security, and self-reliance by aligning them with the teachings of Christ.

As part of its broader mission, the Marian Conference marked a significant step toward establishing the Antipolo Shrine as a leading center for cultural, theological, and Marian studies in Asia.

The initiative seeks to deepen and expand devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, not just in the Philippines but across the region.

Notably, the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage holds the distinction of being the first international shrine in the Philippines and Southeast Asia, as well as the first Marian international shrine in Asia.

Its rich history and enduring devotion make it a beacon of hope and faith for millions of pilgrims worldwide.