Monasterio De Tarlac (Relic of The Holy Cross)

The 30-foot statue of the Risen Christ

Being the only predominantly Catholic country in Asia, the Philippines is arguably famous known for its faith tourism. Though you won't find its version of Mecca or Jerusalem, its old Catholic churches and monasteries have smitten local and international tourists.

Prior to my first visit to Monasterio de Tarlac, I knew so little about it.
All I knew about it was the 300-foot iconic statue of the Risen Christ which reminded me of the Christ The Redeemer statue in Brazil. I would always see Facebook friends posting their photos taken at the monastery.

Two weeks after I was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse, my good friend asked me to join them in their visit to Monasterio de Tarlac where the relic of the holy cross can be found. The visit was a special one because it was the Feast of the Triumph of the Holy Cross and 15th Year Founding Anniversary of the Servants of the Risen Christ Monastic Community (Monasterio de Tarlac). It would be one of the few occasions when pilgrims and visitors would be given the chance to view and touch the relic which is encased in glass. I gladly said yes. I am a Catholic and I thought that it would be a great time to strengthen my faith and touch and see a ‘piece’ of Jesus Christ.  Moreover, my friend has another friend whose son was diagnosed with cancer but miraculously cleared after touching the relic. 

I felt really blessed that my first time in the monastery was in time with the Feast of the Holy Cross on September 21, 2013. As expected, a huge crowd of believers thronged the holy place. 

 

Monasterio de Tarlac is where the Relic of the Holy Cross can be found. It is built atop a mountain at San Jose in Tarlac, surrounded by lush greenery. In this monastery, pilgrims flock to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Monasterio de Tarlac is run by the Servants of the Risen Christ (SRC) Monastic Community, founded by Fr. Ronald Thomas Cortez in 1998. In 2005, Fr. Cortez attended the World Youth Day celebration in Germany, where he met Msgr. Volker Bauer, the custodian of the relic. At the time, Msgr. Volker was looking for someone to whom he can entrust the relic since the monastic life in Europe is slowly dying. Aware of Fr. Cortez’ Monastic Community in the Philippines, Msgr. Volker entrusted the relic to him. And so in 2005, the holy cross came to the monastery.

The relic authenticated by a papal seal is believed to be part of the cross discovered by Saint Helena in Jerusalem, the mother Emperor Constantine the Great. It was believed that Saint Helena excavated three crosses in Jerusalem which were believed to be the crosses used during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. She brought a woman who was about to die and asked her to touch the first two crosses but nothing happened. When the third cross was touched, the dying woman was healed.

This story of Saint Helena is not often told but for the Filipinos, it is remembered through the month-long festival in May honoring the Virgin Mary, known to many as Santacruzan or Flores de Mayo held on the last day of the festival.

On January 30, 2007, the sacred relic of the Holy Cross was enshrined in a beautiful chapel on the Mountain of Resurrection in San Jose, Tarlac. The enshrinement was officiated by Archbishop Fernando Filoni who was the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines back then. The relic is enshrined beneath the chapel’s altar, held by a golden arquetta adorned with religious symbols. Pilgrims are allowed to touch the relic after the masses celebrated at 10:30 a.m. every day and at 3:00 pm on Sundays.

Visiting pilgrims to the Monasterio de Tarlac now enjoy an unobstructed view of nature from the hilltop now known as Mountain of Resurrection. The baroque chapel with a striking façade is built in the middle of the secluded compound, surrounded by a piazza remindful of European churches. The chapel serves as the cross’ reliquary.

Exposed veneration of the relic of the Holy Cross happens every January 19 to mark its enshrinement anniversary and September 14 for the SRC foundation anniversary. Monks from the monastery lead rituals and ceremonies during Holy Week when thousands of pilgrims across the country visit the Mountain of Resurrection. To accommodate guests from far-flung places and those who seek spiritual retreats, a 12-room dormitory was built on the hilltop. More hospitality structures are underway.

Long queue for the exposed veneration of the relic of the Holy Cross.

How to Get There

From Manila, take the North Luzon Expressway, exit Sta. Ines Toll Plaza in Mabalacat, Pampanga. Proceed towards north to Tarlac City. Upon reaching Brgy. San Sebastian (Hon Kee Tea House on your right or Vilmar Restaurant on your left), take a left turn to the bypass road (Tarlac - Pangasinan) towards the town of Camiling. Follow the 36-km back country but well-paved road to Brgy. Lubigan in San Jose, Tarlac.

Guests coming from the north should head to Tarlac City where they will take a right turn going to Uniwide Mall. Following the service road and turning right to Carangian Bridge, guests will see markers leading to the monastery.

The monastery is located at the heart of the 278-ha Tarlac Ecotourism Park in Brgy. Lubigan, San Jose, Tarlac.

Sources: 

www.islandsofthephilippines.com

monasterio-de-tarlac.weebly.com