One of the most visited pilgrim destination in the province of Tarlac is the Monasterio de Tarlac which is located on top of Mount Resurrection part of Zambales Mountain Range. This served as a home to the five monks of the Priory of the Servants of the Risen Christ, led by its prior, Frater Ronald Thomas Cortez, popularly known as Frater Archie. The 278-hectare was developed by then governor Jose “Aping” Yap, into Tarlac Eco Tourism Park where a 30-foot colossal statue of Jesus Christ now stands overseeing the city.
The sacred relic of the True Cross of Jesus in Asia
In 2005 Fr. Archie Cortez was invited to attend the World Youth Day celebration in Cologne, Germany wherein he met Msgr. Volker Bauer of Essen, Germany who was the custodian of the relic of the True Cross of Jesus Christ.
Learning that Fr. Archie is the founder of the Monasteric Community of the Servants of The Risen Christ, Msgr. Bauer entrusted the relic to him believing he could take care of the relic of the True Cross since the monasteric life in Europe is slowly dying. Monasterio de Tarlac is the only place where you may find the sacred relic in Asia.
Brief History of Monasterio de Tarlac
Fr. Archie Cortez during the celebration of early dawn or Simbang Gabi Mass at the St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish in Ramos, Tarlac which was attended by then governor Jose “Aping” Yap, shared his vision of building a community where they can truly live as monks. Believing in the vision of Fr. Archie governor Yap offered his ongoing project and invited Fr. Archie to build a monastery in the Eco Tourism Park in Barangay Lubigan in San Jose, Tarlac.
The dream was then realized and on the year 2002, His Excellency Bishop Florentino F. Cinense DD officiates the blessing of the 30-foot high statue of the Risen Christ.
In 2003, the hermitage for the monks was completed and on the following year 2004, the Chapel and a 12-room dormitory was completed with the help of a donor Mrs. Teresita Wilkerson.
When Fr. Archie was invited to attend for the 2005 World Youth Congress, in Cologne, Germany, he met Msgr. Volker Bauer who believe in his dedication to the monasteric life and entrusted to him a fragment of the Relic of the True Cross of Jesus Christ which he bought to the Philippines.
In January 20, 2007 the relic of the True Cross of Jesus was enshrined in the chapel officiated by Archbishop Fernando Feloni, the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines.The relic is enshrined beneath the chapel’s altar.held by a golden arquetta adorned with religious symbols. Above the imposing altar iscripted latin words: AVE, CRUX, SPES, UNICA which means Hail, the Holy Cross, Our Only Hope.
Saint Helena and the Cross
Pilgrims from all over flock to the mountains to venerate the “one true cross” which was being authenticated by a papal seal and believe to be a fragment of the cross being discovered by Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great. It was believed that St. Helena excavated three (3) crosses in Jerusalem which was used in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The story relates that she brought a dying woman and made to touch the two cross and nothing happens but when she touches the third cross it was then that she was miraculously healed.
Saint Helena is remembered every month of May during the Santacruzan of Flores de Mayo in honor of the blessed Virgen Mary.
Pilgrims are given the chance to touch the relic after the holy mass celebration every day at 10:30 AM and 3:00 PM during Sundays.
Monasterio de Tarlac offer pilgrims of lush green scenery atop the Mountain of Resurrection wherein guests coming from all over the country come to venerate the relic of the Holy Cross. Every January 19 mark the enshrinement anniversary and on September 14 they celebrate the SRC Foundation anniversary.
Holy Week Retreat at the monastery
Rituals and ceremonies are being held and led by the monks at the monastery during the holy week celebration. Pilgrims from across the country visit the Mountain of Resurrection. For pilgrims who come from faraway places and who are seeking spiritual retreat, a 12-room dormitory can accommodate them.
For information on retreats and recollections for groups or individuals, you may contact Frater Thomas Lawrence at mobile number 0917-932 8738 or you email them at monasteriotarlac@yahoo.com.
Monasterio de Tarlac is open to all pilgrims from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
No Entrance Fee
The following contact numbers could also be helpful to you as you arrange for a visit to the Monasterio de Tarlac:
Department of Tourism Region III: (045) 9612665/ 2612/ 625 8525
Tarlac Provincial Tourism: (045) 982 2374
Tarlac City Tourism Council: (045) 982 4050/ 1923
Check out the info and don’t miss a visit to one of the popular pilgrimage site in the Philippines.
Like Us on Facebook: Pinoy Helpdesk!!!