Aside from my friends' birthdays, there's also a special day being celebrated in August: St Clare of Assisi's Feast Day!

This is the third time I'm blogging about this lovely saint, although the first and second can be read in my Tumblr account. You see, I'm not the most religious person out there (I've already said this line in my previous posts) but St. Clare serves as the mere connection to me and God. Just the thought of her keeps my faith alive and strange as it seems, I feel relieved instantly from all the stress and tensions around me. It gives me peace and serenity and a sense of encouragement whenever I'm in the monastery --- absolutely my favorite escape from the harsh reality.

I've been looking forward to her feast day yesterday since August started. However, I woke up that morning with zero productiveness. Yep, it's me in my bummer mode again so I was having second thoughts whether to hear the mass in Katipunan or just wait for another day instead. But while I was browsing through my FB, this post magically appeared on my screen..



Oops! Looks like this is a sign that she really wanted me to come! But it's 230 already, will I get there on time?

After 30min-1hr of travel (It took that long since it was unbelievably traffic in Imelda Ave and Marcos Hi-way), I reached Katipunan and was running towards the church. Contrary to the nature of this place, it's very unusual to see many people gathered together doing different activities all at once, i.e. buying/selling eggs and other souvenirs, entering/leaving the church, parking the car, etc. For a moment I thought I went to Quiapo lol. Anyway so I got there around 530PM.. 10min late but still just in time for the homily/mass. :)

Upon my Arrival

Happy St. Clare Day!

Take note: the monastery was full of people so it was hard to breathe fresh air. And since I'm a very tall person (Mehh), I could barely see what was happening inside (Late attendance means standing outside the church).

Inside the Monastery

Caution: Not healthy for claustrophobic people.

Complimenting Colors of Papa Jesus

"To Dearest St. Clare" - Petition/Prayer

Candle Offering

Tatlong Kandila

Eternal Flame. Chos.

In case y'all interested to visit here. :)

"Blue for Hope"

 Little Trivia:

Regarding the traditional offering of eggs, Philippine National Artist for Literature, Alejandro Roces, in his book Fiesta, theorized that Sta. Clara's name has something to do with it for the word clara, in the language of Castille, means “fair weather” (particularly during rainy days) and also pertains to the "puti ng itlog" (albumen or egg whites) in Spanish. It translates to offer claras (egg whites) to Sta. Clara to pray for a clara (fair weather) on a particular day.

The offering of a dozen eggs, according to people following the tradition, represents the twelve months of the year though most people who come there wish for only a day or two without rain (if it were without rain in a year, expect a famine)

Source: BackPackingPhilippines

Where you place the offerings: eggs, flowers, and prayers too!

Reminds me of the good old UST :)

Labels: august 11, churches, katipunan, life, monasterio de santa clara, st. clare of assisi