Our three-day
spiritual retreat this year was held at
Bukal ng Tipan (literally,
bukal means "spring" and
tipan means "meeting" and the sense of the phrase is "wellspring of community"), a retreat house and spirituality center in the town of
Taytay in
Rizal province run by the
Congregatio Immaculati Cordis Mariae (CICM, Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary).
The most striking feature of the building is its glass-enclosed spiral staircase with four story-high posts hung with
capiz shell lanterns.
More than the building, however, the true gift of Bukal ng Tipan is its profusion of trees and plants, with this magnificent
acacia tree dominating the center of the garden.
what an idyllic place, both inside and out.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, and informative as your posts always are.
ReplyDeleteWe have dear friends who met at the Franciscan Renewal Center near our house in Paradise Valley, Arizona. I think of them often, as they became a married couple perfect for each other. She did not let her multiple sclerosis prevent them from joining us on a trip to Italy.
Sadly, he developed an extremely rare brain disease and was taken from this world just a month later. Their experiences put into perspective what is important in life.
what a beautiful staircase!
ReplyDeleteWould love to see the chandelier lighted (or is it lit?).
ReplyDeleteBeautiful things, conducive to spiritual activity.
ReplyDeleteIt took me a few seconds to get the staircase; it is impressive, as is the acacia. Nice to "see" you in York. We recently went to a Christian day conference at which a Brit working in a Manila was one of the speakers. Hope your week goes well.
ReplyDeleteThe staircase is lovely! Fabulous angle from above! But I think I like your last photo the best...it looks so serene. It must have been a wonderful place :-D
ReplyDeletethe capiz shells are beautiful. and acacia trees don't grow that huge here.
ReplyDeletea very spiritual and peace place
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely place for a retreat, Hilda. Hard to choose between the unique capiz chandelier or the acacia tree...
ReplyDelete[I hope you are well. Good to see you back into posting. I've not had much time for commenting these last weeks, but am enjoying your posts. Am missing home and my honey; one month to go.]