Trappist Monastery at Guimaras

A Brief Background
The Trappist Monastery in Guimaras, Iloilo, is the one and only monastery in the Philippines that is being run by Trappist monks.

For the monks living here, they earn their living from the income generated with the souvenir items they are selling such as Guimaras shirts, bags, hats, wallets, and more. They also have religious books and items there.  


Trappist Monastery Gift and Souvenir Shop
The land where the monastery compound lies was also generously given by a benefactor.

In it, you can see not just prayer areas, but also a souvenir shop, and some adorable houses that are good venues to be in, if in case you want to go on a retreat.

When choosing on what souvenir to buy, it is recommended that you purchase and try their tasty delights, most of which are made from mango, Guimaras Island's major crop. 

Writing of Prayer Petitions
Add up to that, if you also have some prayer petitions, the monks are also very much happy to give you a paper and an envelope where you could write your prayers, petitions, and a small offering.

Living a life that is dedicated for service, chastity, and faith; the Trappist monks sees to it that all the income they have generated in their monastery is given to the poor of Guimaras.

As what was related to us by the guy who drove us around the island, the proceeds given to the monks are being used to hospitalize those people who really have nothing, to provide medicine for the sick, and to help in the upheaval of the overall Guimaras community. Truly an act worth noting and emulating. :)

Thursday, December 27, 2012

guimaras, Iloilo Tour, Trappist Monastery, Travels