When I tagged along with my DOT-accredited tour guide friends, Maricar and Artie, to Salvador Benedicto, they were talking about the Lux Mundi monastery in Murcia, a town between Bacolod City and Salvador Benedicto. They were planning to visit the monastery the day after but as we left Balokon Spring Resort earlier than planned, we had ample time to check out the monastery.
Maricar shared that she thought it was only the San Diego Pro-Cathedral that is a domed church in the province of Negros Occidental until she heard of the church in Lux Mundi monastery. On our way from Bacolod to Salvador Benedicto, I have already seen the dome from the highway. When we were making our descent from the highlands back to the city, we made a side trip to see it up close.
From the highway, we passed by Murcia’s plaza. Instead of turning left towards Mansilingan, Bacolod City we went straight and turned right at the end of the plaza. There was a tiny road there which we entered which led us to the Lux Mundi Monastery.
At the gate, the signage Catholic Ming Yuan College came into view. We asked the guard if we can take a visit at the church and he let us in. Our van brought us behind the school building where the church, St. John the Baptist Oratorium, is located. It looked modern with its angular façade, airy interiors, and minimalist feel.
A Chinese priest who was jogging within the area toured us around the place. There were students who also live in the compound. There quarters could be found behind the church. The belfry could also be seen there, along with a statue of a priest.
We walked further and the priest pointed us to their demo farm. There was a fish pond with ducks near it and some free-range chicken at the right. At a distance was the piggery but we decided not to walk there as the sun was already starting to set. The place was huge because there was still a huge space for their demo farm.
The priest explained to us that they offer business entrepreneurship and other courses. As we walked back to our vehicle we encountered two Chinese nuns as well. We bid goodbye to them and thanked them for accommodating us although we went there unannounced.
I never thought such school ever existed. I’m glad that I joined my friends and that we made a side trip to the Lux Mundi Monastery and the Catholic Ming Yuan College property.
Catholic Ming Yuan College
Murcia town proper
(+63 34) 345-2309 or 0917-3119938
email [email protected]
The place looks much like our India villages. Laid back, peaceful with poultry & cattle around…
I was initially surprised because monasteries don’t usually let people in, do they? Anyway, what I liked was that the church has a livelihood program (offering courses in business, I assume it is more agricultural or perhaps livestocks? Overall, it was a good trip for you and by sharing, we who were not there have a glimpse of it.
The interior of the church looks beautiful and relaxing. With nature surrounding the area, I think it looks like a good place to do meditation.
Sounds like it was a great experience and isn’t it great to find something that you didn’t know existed? I’m glad that they were hospitable but it’s always good to announce you’re going somewhere instead of just popping up.
It’s also my first time to learn about this Monastery. It’s nice that they have a lot of courses which are non religion/Catholic related, and the place looks really serene.
At first sight, I thought is was some place outside the Philippines. The place looks really relaxing with the scenic view. This is a really serene and peaceful place for a monastery.
I have not heard of Oratorium before. What does this word mean? A praying place, I presure. Anything more special about it why the Parish decided to call it that term?
It’s a very nice church, the simplicity adds to its appeal. They have such a big space, for everything and it’s good to know that they are putting it to good news by maintaining a farm.
Calm and quiet place away from crowds it seems. I so wish to visit such place and rejuvenate!
it is always a joy to visit churches as they have this tranquil and peaceful air about them. i hope i can go to Bacolod and visit this place with my boys one day.
the interior of the church is beautiful. the photo of the flower is amazing. great photography skills there
I wonder if that pond has a great view of the sunset? It looks like a great spot to just chill out and rest. That is also a great picture of a flower.
What a beautiful place! One could really relax and sink into their own thoughts and feelings here. A good respite from the rest of the world.