Revisiting Monasterio de Tarlac

August 25, 2013: "Welcome Home!" The priest welcomed all the pilgrims to the place of prayer and meditation.  The Monasterio is the place where one can be with God and nature.  We heard the Sunday pilgrim mass at 10:30.  After the mass, the veneration of the True Relic of the Cross of Christ to the public was held.

Located at the barangay of Lubigan in the town of San Jose, Tarlac, the Monasterio was a 3 hour drive from Antipolo via SCTEX.  Upon entering the Luicita exit, we tuned in to Radio Maria at 99.7 FM.  The radio program prepared us spiritually where prayers and religious songs in the tune of nursery rhymes were played.  Since we reached the place early, we were able to find a good place under the tree outside the monastery to hear the mass.

For lunch, we had a picnic with the family of John's Ninong Jun, his boss Jun and Sir Jun's sister and family.

It was truly another trip to remember.

Field of Faith

August 9, 2013;  It's another day-off from work in celebration of the end of Ramadan and the first day of  the Islamic month of Shawwal known to us as Eidul-Fitar.  We took this opportunity to drive to Calauan Laguna and search for the Field of Faith known to the locals simply as rosary garden.

Upon reaching the place, one can feel the solemnity and peacefulness of the place.  A pilgrimage site for those looking for a place for prayer and meditation.  One can pray the rosary by walking the path from Joyful, Sorrowful, Luminous and Glorious mysteries.  Written along these paths were inspiring quotes that one can mediate on.  A luminous cross on top of the hill, Stations of the Cross nailed to the coconut trees and a Shekinah wishing walls can truly help you find God and your inner self.

You can also trace the Labyrinth path, tile per tile, for meditation and prayer.  Labyrinth walk is the western style of prayer and meditation for the early Christians.

We were truly blessed that we came across this private garden in the town of Calauan.