Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Guimaras : Trappist Abbey

Abbey Church Facade

I was half expecting to see monks roaming around the vicinity of the Trappist Abbey although I was informed beforehand that monks there do not usually leave their enclave and are not distinguishable when they are outside. Although what I have in mind are the monks I have seen in Bangkok or Singapore marching in their full orange robes, still seeing even just one of them in different outfit would have definitely made the visit more worthwhile. 


Other than a small cleaning lady dressed in white, the Abbey Church was empty. The ambiance inside is so peaceful and very conducive for praying. After spending several minutes at the Church, I roam around the area looking for monks. 

Maybe the timing wasn't right because it was barely an hour before noon but the place is really almost empty. Although I have seen some people walking in the grounds, they are in plain clothes that you would not even recognize if they are monks. 

Anyways, even if I have not seen or talk to one, the trip in Trappist Abbey is still one meaningful trip because its peacefulness gave me chance to reflect and thank God for keeping me safe in all my travels and explorations. Here are some photos of the place: 

Abbey Church Interior

Abbey Church Interior

The Guardian


Three Bells

Trappist Abbey Map

Selfie sa Abbey

The Trappist Abbey consists of a Church, a factory and a guest house. The ground also includes a monastery and a small shop that sells religious products such as rosaries and monk-made goodies such as jams and jellies. It is run by monks of the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance. These monks follow the rule of St. Benedict and are best known for the extreme austerity or strictness that characterizes their discipline.

 The Trappist Abbey is located in Barangay San Miguel in the town of Jordan, Guimaras. It is approximately a 20-30 minute multicab / jeepney ride from the Jordan Port.

14 comments:

  1. You should try early morning when they attend mass at the Abbey Church. They usually go with nuns.

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    1. The earliest trip from Iloilo was 6 am by boat so next time I need to spend a night there to see them early in the morning :)

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  2. A beautiful capture and a lovely place, Oman, as always! I agree that it would have been great to see one of the monks. Hope your week is going well!

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    1. Thanks Sylvia and have a great week ahead too.

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  3. Uno's comment made sense. But I'm guessing the mass is very early in the am. Nice church though and what a nice find.

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    1. Hi Photo Cache, they do have a dorm so it would be best to stay there and pray with them early in the morning.

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  4. They are not Buddhist monks so they do not wear robes.

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  5. Another enticing entry! Feels like I'm seeing food post lols! This is the kind of place suited for praying and meditation. A place free from utter disturbances and unnecessary sounds. I don't know I just have this obsession with nature and the tranquility it brings.

    Once a nature love will always be one - hehe! And you're in a place famed for its 'world sweetest mangoes" Guimaras - the land of mangoes lols! Upon which according to some friends, no one is allowed to bring any other mango seed upon entering the province in order to not spoil the pure breed they have.

    The architecture of the church is simple yet elegant. It boasts not of any grandiosity but I feel like when you enter inside you'll just feel stress-free. Plus, it's so good that there is this small shop for souvenirs as I'm a guy who love buying such for keep sake. Nice post! :)

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    1. Very well said Jay. I couldn't agree more with the mangoes. I grew up in Nueva Ecija where mangoes are sweet but mangoes in Gumaras is ten times sweeter :)

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  6. Wow - how gorgeous!

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  7. The interior of the Church looks neat. I thought there has to be temples for monks. I got those old Chinese movies to blame then. Kidding.

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    1. Di ko gets :) Pag Buddhist Monks ang temples (yata) pag Christians monastery (yata)

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