Hello everyone! I'm back with another adventure, and I hope this story finds you well and happy.
Let me take you to a serene and sacred place tucked away in the quiet hills of Guimaras—the Trappist Monastery. Built in the 1970s by Trappist monks of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, this monastery is more than just a place of spiritual retreat. It’s a sanctuary of peace, a living testament to faith, and a hidden gem for anyone seeking a moment of solitude away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
If you're a tourist looking to visit, the monastery is located in San Miguel, the capital of Jordan, Guimaras.. just a 20 to 35-minute drive from Jordan Wharf.
As you pass through the second gate, you're greeted by tall trees gently swaying in the breeze, almost as if nature itself is waving hello to all the guests and visitors. To the left is the church, and to the right, a charming gift shop. Today, I’ll be sharing the lush scenery on the left side of the grounds, where the church is beautifully nestled.
This is the church. Perched atop a small hill and surrounded by greenery, it offers the perfect setting for prayer and reflection. Interestingly, the church is shaped like a cross, with the altar positioned right at its center. I wish I had a drone to capture it from above, but just picture this: it looks like a forgotten crucifix resting peacefully in the middle of an open field. So sacred and peaceful.
This is the statue of St. Benedict. It's located on the northeast side of the church. He is the Father of Western Monasticism. He is holding a cane and a book, which may represent his Benedictine Rule. There's also a white bird between his legs. Which I think represents freedom and protection.
At the eastern side of the church, we can see the statue of Our Lady of the Philippines Trappist. It's a model of obedience, humility, and purity. The plants around the statue added to the peacefulness of the place. When you pass by the statue, you won't help but stop and reflect.
Life for the monks here revolves around sacred rhythms. Their day begins even before the sun rises, with bells calling them to the chapel for morning prayers. Their spiritual life is balanced by honest, physical labor—working in the fields, crafting goods, and tending to their duties with devotion. The fruits of their labor, both physical and spiritual, nourish their community and the many visitors who come seeking peace.
Next to the church is a gently sloping path shaded by towering trees.
As you walk down, all you see and hear is nature.
A quiet stream flows beside the pathway, and the air is filled with the sound of rustling leaves and birdsong.
When you look up, the tops of the trees almost touch, letting only a sliver of blue sky peek through. It's tranquil, calming and like stepping into a sacred forest.
At the end of the path stands an event hall, though it was closed during our visit.
Outside, concrete tables and benches offer a place to rest. It’s the perfect spot to sit quietly, surrounded by nature, as birds sing above and the wind whispers through the trees.
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As I left the monastery grounds, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of stillness linger with me. Places like this remind us that silence is not empty,, it’s full of answers. In a world that often demands speed, noise, and productivity, the Trappist Monastery invites us to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect,, with nature, with faith, and with ourselves.
Until the next adventure 😊 Take care, stay grounded, and may you always find your own quiet spaces to rest and reflect.
📌
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