Monasterio de Santa Clara
If you have a one-day festival scheduled the following day and the weather bureau says that it would be a rainy day, what would you do? Considering that it is May and the activities include a marathon, track and field events, parlor games, basketball games, biking skills contest, ati-atihan parade, a Flores de Mayo and a dance party to cap the day, what would be your contingency plan? It is a fixed annual corporate event and you cannot just postpone it.
Take it easy. On the penultimate day of the event, simply go to Monasterio de Santa Clara near the flyover at Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City. Take with you a dozen eggs. Write your petition on a piece of paper, for it not to rain on that particular date, and offer the eggs to the Poor Clare Sisters. Most likely, your request will be granted as the Poor Clares have a way of defying nature. They have a high batting average. Believe me.
Monasterio de Santa Clara was founded in 1621 in Intramuros, Manila by Mother Jeronima de la Asuncion. As early as the 17th century, the monastery was known as a good training ground for young girls. Dr. Jose Rizal even made mention of the monastery in his masterpiece Noli Me Tangere where the heroine Maria Clara sought refuge and lived a life of purity, espousing the ideals of Santa Clara.
And who was Santa Clara? Santa Clara, said to be the childhood sweetheart of Francis of Assisi, was a daughter of a rich Italian couple who refused to live a life of comfort and instead offered herself in the service of God and the poor. She founded the Order of the Poor Clares.
And why do you offer eggs to stop the rain? Clara means clear or clear weather on a supposedly rainy day. And the white of the egg is called Clara. The nuns pray that there will be clear skies on the day specified in your request. And petition is not limited to the weather. Any other requests can be made.
The company utility man romped away with the Marathon title, besting seeded runners in the 5 km run inside the Valley Golf estate. The sun was at its brightest as the Ati-Atihan tribal group danced to the rhythmic beat of Hala Bira, Hala Bira. And the beautiful Reyna Elenas captivated the crowd with their charm and with their sparkling earrings. Didn't I tell you that the Poor Clares are the most powerful prayer warriors? Now you know.
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| The original site of the Monasterio de Santa Clara was in Intramuros, Manila. It was established in the early 17th century. |
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| Entrance to the Monasterio de Santa Clara along Katipunan Avenue near the flyover. |
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| The Church of Santa Clara |
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| There are banderitas as the feast day of Santa Clara is August 11. |
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| Garden in front of the church |
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| Quiet, please |
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| Fountain near the garden |
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| Statue of Santa Clara in front of church |
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| Santa Clara was the foundress of The Order of the Poor Clares. |
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| Clear instruction |
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| Near the church |
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| Activities during the feast day |
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| Big tree by the side of the church |
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| Church interior |
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| Main altar |
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| Taken near the rear entrance |
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| Mother Jeronima de la Asuncion established the Monasterio de Santa Clara in the 17th century. |
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| Monitoring answered prayers |
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| The Crucified Christ inside the church |
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| Rear portion of the church |
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| Confessional box near the rear entrance |
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| Schedule of confessions |
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| The Crucified Christ in glass casing. |
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| Santa Clara was a follower of Francis of Assisi. |
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| Two long tables where you write your requests or petitions. |
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Another statue of Santa Clara at the rectory
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| One dozen for 60 pesos |
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| Ample parking slots |
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| For strict compliance |
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| Strict silence inside the monastery |
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| A high rise building along Katipunan Avenue as viewed from the monastery. |
