PALM Sunday, which marks the first day of the Holy Week, is fast approaching. Devout Catholics are now preparing to participate in several traditions to remember the life and death of Jesus Christ, as well as reflect and repent upon their actions.
Such practices include fasting, engaging in Pabasa, visiting at least seven churches for Visita Iglesia, joining Penitensya, and holding the Moriones Festival.
But these aren’t the only ways to contemplate the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Catholics, although not all of them are devout, may still reflect and repent solemnly through recollection.
In the Philippines, there are several retreat houses that people can visit to give more attention to their spiritual lives and spend quiet time with God. Republicasia compiled a list of retreat houses that are ideal for recollections.
Sacred Heart Retreat House
If you are looking for a place that will temporarily detach you from your everyday life this Holy Week, Sacred Heart Retreat House is there to welcome you.
The retreat house allows its guests to engage in “spiritual exercises,” including “examination of conscience, meditation, contemplation, and vocal or mental prayer,” among others, according to its website. Guests could enjoy the green scenery of the retreat house surrounded by old acacia and mahogany trees where they could take a peaceful walk, among other physical activities.
There are also facilities such as chapels, conference rooms, and rooms for those who want to stay in the retreat house for some time.
Location: Novaliches, Quezon City
Cenacle Retreat House
In another part of Quezon City lies one more venue that offers solitude called Cenacle Retreat House. It has been a venue for people to be closer to God.
The retreat house has various programs dedicated to retreatants that will help them find their spiritual direction. There is a program for those who wish to have a private retreat alone with the help of a Cenacle sister and a group retreat where each member would still be given time for their personal prayers and reflection, among others.
Location: Loyola Heights, Quezon City
Sta. Catalina Spirituality Center
As the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio City boasts numerous tourist attractions that make visitors come back. But the City of Pines can also be a great place for someone who wants to take a break from their bustling city life.
A place where they can find peace and quiet is the Sta. Catalina Spirituality Center, one of the known retreat houses in the area for those seeking to nurture their spiritual lives. Many visitors, including groups of students, have sought serenity here.
Some young people shared on the Internet that the retreat house not only helped them get closer to God but also allowed them to form deeper connections with their friends.
Location: Marcos Highway, Baguio City
St. John Marie Vianney Retreat House
Another quiet place in the north is the St. John Marie Vianney Retreat House in Bulacan, a go-to venue for groups of friends and students for their recollections or retreats.
Visitors will enjoy the spectacular overlooking view of the mountains as they contemplate or find a sense of peace and calmness for overall well-being. Of course, there are facilities where individuals can hold various spiritual activities including journaling, meditation, and prayer groups.
Location: Norzagaray, Bulacan
Mornese Center of Spirituality
There are also places in the south where you can seek spiritual growth, and one of these is the Mornese Center of Spirituality.
The retreat house also has services for those who are seeking spiritual renewal for those who go solo or with groups. Among these are guided and preached retreats, one-day or overnight recollection, family retreats, and youth encounter. It has various facilities to hold these programs including a chapel, a conference room, an audio-visual room, and a lounge.
Location: Pansol, Calamba, Laguna
Caleruega
Adding to this list of places for retreats and recollections is Caleruega, which also offers a family retreat, which will run from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday this coming Holy Week.
There will be sessions with invited speakers, vigil, group sharing, private meditation, confession, and masses, among many other religious activities that would help family members in the spiritual growth they seek.
Location: Nasugbu, Batangas
Angels’ Hills
Another must-visit place for retreatants is the Angels’ Hills in Tagaytay, which has accommodated groups of students including those from Metro Manila.
It is a conducive place not only for those who want to go for retreat or recollection but also for those who want to participate in value formation conferences, conventions, training, and seminars. Also surrounded by the green scenery, Angels’ Hills has different facilities for these programs including a chapel, cottages, a meditation garden, a convention hall, and a conference hall.
Location: Arnoldus Road, Tagaytay City
Oasis of Prayer
If you’re looking for a place where you can get closer to God and nature, then consider paying a visit to Oasis of Prayer.
In this retreat center, people can both engage in religious and wellness activities like dancing amidst its vast field of greenery. They may also take their time to stroll leisurely, sit and write in their journals, and play musical instruments around the Oasis of Prayer.
Location: Silang, Cavite
We hope that you get that much-needed rest and time with God as you reflect and repent on this solemn Holy Week.
