When I was assigned to be in Malaybalay, Bukidnon for a week related to work. I right away made my mind to come back to the Monastery that has a pyramid shape church. I been there last 2008 for the same assignment and visited the farm of monks. It was share by my (late) mother that is was a beautiful place to reflect.
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| Corner leading to the monastery |
It was a foggy morning (its usual for Malaybalay) when I was going to Barangay San Jose. When I went for the first time their is a single motorcycle (commonly known in the are Habal-habal). This time around there is non. I tried to wait for almost 20 minutes. But their is no free ride nor habal habal available.
I opted to walk. I saw motorcycle going to the road leading to the monastery with a passenger. I wondered why their is no motorcycle travelling in the area. Walking for almost 15 minutes I pass by a house that has a motorcycle. They offered a ride and immediately answered yes. I offered the good samaritan a tip to giving me a ride for the tour around the monastery.
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| Rocky road on the way to the monasteries entance |
Seeing the new church of the monastery from a distance make me feel in heaven on earth.
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| The new church from a distance |
While travelling going to the new church I ask the driver why is it their are no motorcycle leading to the monastery. He answered that it has only a few who usually travel the route. Most visitor has their own vehicle, for some like students opted to walk. According to him the cost of the habal habal ride cost at Php 30/head. He said security guards of the farm toke the route during their day off.
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| The Alter of the new Church of the monastery |
Unlike other churches the church in the monastery has only one saint on it. Aside from the crucified Jesus Christ floating. It is the image of Our Lady of Montserrat. This is a replica of image from Barcelona, Spain. This was a gift for the commemoration of the presence of Benedictine in the Philippines by the abbey of Montserrat.
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| From the alter view |
The altar table is a simple rock curve to celebrate the Eucharist.
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| Kitanglad Mountain range at the background |
This place is the best spot to meditate pray and eat, its a way to stay away from hectic schedule and the city life. Kitanglad mountain range also can be seen at panoramic view from the new church. The monastery offer a retreat for a group or even solo who wants to pray and find a silent place to reflect. If you join a retreat you can have a chance to be with the monks. None the less food are prepared by the monks. According to the caretaker of the new church, the cook of the guesthouse is a Kapampangan monks.
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| The Guesthouse |
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| Me with the new church in the monastery of transfiguration |
After revisiting the new church we went to the old monastery church. It is located near the entrance of the monastery gate. The Church is smaller than the new one. It is also the location of Paul VI institute of liturgy. It is where lay minister and even priest and nuns update the liturgy or having their retreats.
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| Altar of the old church |
When I went to the church to visit the holy sacrament and take photos. Their was a group of lay minister was having a mass that is about to conclude. I notice this OND nun who looks familiar. When I approach hear, it was my teacher in religion way back my high school days. She was the one of the organizer of the seminar. I was happy to see my teacher (Sr Marivic Ratilla) after many years of not seeing her.
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| Priests, Nun and lay minister |
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| The flowing brewed coffee of the monks |
I was able to have a breakfast with them when I already attended the mass that they celebrated. Spend time with a bountiful breakfast and a cup of coffee (Freshly brewed by the monks).
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| With the organizer and speaker |
Paul VI Institute of Liturgy is founded by Fr. Anscar Chupungco, who is also a Benedictine monk.
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| With Sr Marivic in Paul VI Institute of Liturgy |
The monastery has a souvenir shop that sells the famous coffee bean of the monks and different products from their farm. Aside saints and novena books.
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| Souvenir Shop |
For inquiries about the retreat in the guest house in the monastery you can contact Fr. Martin at 0917 51505585. The good Samaritan habal habal driver is Anthony at 09057870952.
