Story & Photos by Stephanie Tumampos | Special to the BusinessMirror
AS Lent is fast approaching, Filipinos give time to reflect on their relationship with God. But with the hustle and bustle of the city, having a solemn place to meditate and do penance would be quite a challenge.
Many move out of the city on Holy Week, that starts on March 21, and seek refuge to a quiet place to contemplate.
With about 65 kilometers from Metro Manila Manila, for a two-hour drive, a place of prayer and pilgrimage could be found.
The Regina Rosarii Institute for Contemplation in Asia (Rica) in Sitio Aguho, Tanay, Rizal, is a 13.5-hectare place of sanctity for those who want to have a holy pilgrimage, or just a place for peace and quiet. The area is run by the Dominican Sisters of Regina Rosarii. It was founded in 2005 by Sister Mary Epifania F. Brasil, OP, in Quezon City. It was transferred in 2009 to where it is currently located.
Regina Rica’s most recognizable structure is the 71-foot-high statue of Our Lady of Regina Rica, the Blessed Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus. Inside it is a chapel. Rica, a Spanish word for “rich lady,” the inspiration of the structure was drawn from the Dominican tradition and belief that Our Lady shelters her devoted children through her protective mantle. The statue was constructed in 2009 and designed by the artist-sculptor Jose Barcena Jr. Currently under reconstruction, the chapel can hold less than a hundred people, but by the start of the Holy Week, it can accommodate 200 people. Entrance is free.
The height of Our Lady of Regina Rica is as symbolic as the number of angels carved below the statue on a canopy of clouds. There are 17 angels around it. The height of the image and the number of angels represent the Nos. 1 and 7, which when added would equal to 8. Regina Rica has candle houses with candles in various colors, which represent different intentions. Besides the statue of Our Lady of Regina Rica and the chapel, a columbary and a vegetarian-themed restaurant can also be visited.
Many devotees and tourists visit Regina Rica to pause and reflect in silence. Regina Rica nuns promote and practice silent prayer. They also offer various programs, such as Mary’s One Million, where they pray for the healing of one’s family tree every day.
They say that through daily prayers of the family tree, the sins of the past and elderly ancestors can be forgiven, and blessings will shower more to the family.Daily Masses are held at Regina Rica. It is open every day, except Tuesdays.
Image credits: Stephanie Tumampos