Monasterio de Tarlac, San Jose, Tarlac
Journal notes
We read about the Relic of the True Cross of Lord Jesus Christ enshrined in the Monasterio de Tarlac. The relic is a small match-box side part of the True Cross. It was said that the cross was under the care of a monastery in Germany and since the monastic congregations were declining or disappearing in Europe, the monastery had to find another keeper of the relic. The German relic custodian met the Monasterio de Tarlac founder while the latter was in Europe, and given that Filipinos are known keepers of the Catholic faith, the German monk knew that the Philippines would be the new home of the relic. And true enough, the “home” of the relic, the monastery, has become a pilgrim site.
We went to the Monasterio twice – in 2012 and then again in 2016. And in both times, we experienced a little miracle, a surprise blessing. There were many pilgrims and the chapel housing the relic was very small, even if the monastery grounds span a huge land. A lot of the pilgrims were outside of the chapel during the mass, but all could line up to come near the relic. In both times, we were able to hear mass inside the chapel! The first time, we came just in the nick of time that the mass was starting, and the second time, though we had ample time of waiting, there were pilgrims who had stayed in the monastic grounds overnight hence the chapel was already filled up. In both instances, the monks made a spontaneous decision to open the chapel side doors where we were close to and thus, we ended up getting in and even finding seats for both masses. I felt even more special during our 2012 pilgrimage because a monk noticed us (a few hours after the mass and relic veneration), while we were praying the stations of The Cross in the grounds, and approached us, asking from where we came. As we came as far as Cavite and Laguna, he expressed concern that we missed the veneration of the relic and had offered to open the chapel for us. We were timid about taking advantage of the offer to have extra time with the relic, and explained instead that we were able to make it in time for the mass and the veneration.
While inside the chapel enshrining the Relic of The True Cross, as I was venerating and close to the relic, I sensed a Holy Presence which I could not understand. I was teary- eyed for about three minutes. Later, I learned that the other DNFI pilgrims also experienced the same significant Holy Presence.
The line of pilgrims waiting for their turn to venerate the Relic of The True Cross was long. As I stood in line, I watched the other pilgrims’ reactions when they knelt before the True Cross. One pilgrim was in a wheelchair and burst into tears when brought before The Relic. My heart felt a warmth that could not be explained as I witnessed the devotion of a suffering person brought before The True Cross of CHRIST. I, too, was in awe upon being given an opportunity to venerate The LORD in His Cross even if it was only for a few seconds. It’s like The LORD has given us a place to bring us closer to Him.
And it did not end there. When I went outside, I suddenly found myself looking up at a large tarpaulin that announced the next date of the open veneration of the Relic in a few months, which only happens twice a year every January 19th to commemorate its enshrinement and every September 14th, the Feast of The Triumph of The Cross. Lo and behold, the date in September was moved a few days later and fell on the exact date of my 40th birthday! I remembered thinking that it was not a coincidence and returned to Monasterio de Tarlac that September to spend that special day with Him. It was truly an unforgettable experience of His loving presence!