An invitation is extended to thousands of people from the Christian community on January 19, 2013 at the Monasterio de Tarlac in Brgy. San Jose, Tarlac to celebrate the 6th-year anniversary of the enshrinement of the Relic of the Holy Cross when public exposition and veneration of the Relic will be held right after the Mass at 9:00 in the morning. January 19 marks the 6th year of the enshrinement of the fragment of Christ’s cross after it was brought by Fr. Archie from the diocese of Essen in Germany. Several miraculous events have taken place during all these years as told by visitors and pilgrims of the monastic community. This invitation is extended by Rev. Fr. Ronald Thomas “Archie” Cortez, SRC, Prior –Founder of the Servants of the Risen Christ Monastic Community, and His Excellency Florentino Cinense, D.D. of the Diocese of Tarlac.
BACKGROUND
The veneration of the True Cross finds its origin in the legend of Helena. According to Christian tradition, when Emperor Constantine granted religious freedom to Christians in the Roman Empire in 313 A.D., his mother, Queen Helena, later in 326 A.D. made pilgrimage to the Holy Land to locate those places sacred to Christians and find the Cross of Jesus. With the help of Christians there, she found many places where Jesus lived, and carried out his ministry. Queen Helena had churches built in many of these sacred sites (e.g., the Tomb of the Holy Sepulchre, the Calvary, the Nativity, etc.). She also found the True Cross, buried under a pagan temple, the nails, and the title that was affixed to the Cross. She is said to have verified the true cross among the three that were unearthed through miracles (a dead girl was restored to life when touched by the True Cross). She left part of the Cross in Jerusalem, gave part to her son in Constantinople, and took part back to Rome where the Church of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem was built. Pieces of the Cross were venerated as holy relics, and fragments were given as gifts to many churches in Europe. Sixteen centuries later in 2007, a fragment of the True Cross found its place in the Church of the Risen Christ in a peaceful and quiet Monasterio de Tarlac.
HOW TO GET THERE
From Manila, take the North Luzon Expressway, exit Sta. Ines Toll Plaza in Mabalacat, Pampanga. Proceed towards north to Tarlac City. Upon reaching Brgy. San Sebastian (Hotel Sogo on the left corner; Matutina's Seafood Restaurant on the left), take a left turn to the bypass road (Tarlac - Pangasinan) towards the town of Camiling. Follow the 36-km backcountry but well-paved road to Brgy. Lubigan in San Jose, Tarlac (turns are well signposted). For fast and convenient travel, take the North Luzon Expressway from Manila; exit NLEX Spur Road between Dau and Sta. Ines exits to take the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway all the way to Tarlac City.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Contact Fr. Archie Phone (63 45) 493-3002 Mobile 0916-250-8414 P.O. Box No. 21 (Tarlac City) Email [email protected] / [email protected] website http://monasterio-de-tarlac.weebly.com. Holy Mass every day except Thursday @ 10:30 a.m.
PRAY AND VENERATE WITH US, EXPERIENCE THE GIFT OF SILENCE AND ENJOY THE BEAUTY OF NATURE….
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Department of Tourism - Region III (Central Luzon)
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