OLP News Update


July 2007 Mango Harvest 2007
Thanks for the fruits of the land that the Lord has given to us…

Our orchard department harvested nineteen tons of mangoes this year. Quite abundant, we are glad for that Lord has done great things for us.  Because of the abundant mangoes, Fr. Jess, the orchard manager made the following statements: The sweetest mango in the world is in the Philippines, The sweetest  mango in the Philippines is in Guimaras island, The sweetest  mango in Guimaras is in the Trappist Monastery, and the sweetest mango in the Trappist Monastery is the TRAPPIST MANGO JAM.

Because mango is plentiful our refectory table is always provided with different mango fruits: green mangoes, ripe mangoes and process mango juice, mango puree, mango shake and mango cake. While the province hold the mango festival last May 15 – 22, 2007, our very own Brother Vincent was inspired to put up a mini mango festival in the gift shop area. He decorated the surrounding with banners hanging around the kiosk.  Part of our mango harvest was displayed in different sizes and being sold for the people who visited the monastery. The outcome is quite successful, because we earned some good amount  from the sales. Thanks Br. Vincent for your creativity.

May 13, 2007 The Passing Away of Br.LAURENCE (September 16, 1920 – May 13, 2007)

It was through the ringing of the church bell that we learned the death of our beloved Br. Laurence in the arms and presence of Fr. Abbot and Br. Orly his caregiver.  Br. Laurence is a devoted son of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  He died on May 13 the 90th anniversary of the apparition of the Blesses Mother in Fatima . He is one of the six founders of Our Lady of the Philippines Trappist Monastery who came in our country in 1972.  Brother is a true monk of our community, a model of simplicity, humility and

obedience.  From the time he set foot on the Philippine soil he never returned home to his country. He served the community as infirmarian, interior cellarer, vocation director and member of the abbot council.  He became ill and was bedridden for almost ten years, but bore all his infirmities with equanimity.  Despite his physical illness, he was faithful in attending the divine office and Holy Eucharist daily.  That morning before he died, the abbot said mass in his presence and received holy communion.  His life journey ended few hours after the liturgy but begin his new life to sing the goodness of the Lord forever. His fidelity and perseverance is the reward he earned as a true Cistercian monk of OLP. As the psalmist says “Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones”. 

We will miss him, but his good work of bringing Cistercian monastic life in this country will always be remembered… May he rest in peace.

By: Eugene dela Cruz, OCSO


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