Monastery of the Transfiguration (Bukidnon)
| Monastery of the Transfiguration | |
|---|---|
.jpg){kind=spacer} The Transfiguration Church in 2023 | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic |
| Province | Cagayan de Oro[a] |
| Status | Monastery complex with church |
| Location | |
| Location | Malaybalay, Bukidnon |
| Country | Philippines |
 | |
| Administration | Order of Saint Benedict |
| Geographic coordinates | 8°06′53.4″N 125°08′09.0″E / 8.114833°N 125.135833°E |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Leandro Locsin (church) |
| Date established | 1983 (monastery) |
| Completed | 1996 (church) |
The Monastery of the Transfiguration, also known as the Abbey of the Transfiguration, is a Roman Catholic monastery complex in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, Philippines, run by the Benedictine Order.[1] The monastery was established in 1983.
Background
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Established in 1983, the complex is noted for the Transfiguration Church, a pyramid structure designed by National Artist Leandro Locsin.[2] The church, which was inspired by Ifugao nipa huts, was inaugurated on August 6, 1996.[3] Prior to the construction of Locsin's pyramid, the monastery existed in three smaller pyramid buildings, constructed around a small courtyard. These were designed by architect Cecilio Maceren and inaugurated on 6 August 1983. Maceren's pyramids represent the three tents mentioned in the Transfiguration of Jesus and thus, the inauguration of both buildings took place on 6 August, which aligns with the Feast of the Transfiguration.[4]
The church's altar is made from a volcanic boulder, sourced from close to the site.[5]
It also has a two-storey museum, which hosts the vestment collection of Dom Martin Gomez,[b] a monk who served as a couturier for Fist Lady Imelda Marcos in the 1970s.[2][6] It opened on August 6, 2008.[3]
In addition to this, the monastery hosts a retreat/guest house, with 15 rooms, serving meals and allowing visitors to attend mass with the monks. The monks also produce and sell their own brand of coffee, named "Monks Blend", which they sell in their giftshop and "Abbey Cafe" alongside other foodstuffs and religious souvenirs.[7][5]
Notes
[edit]- ^ Ecclesiastical province; under the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro
- ^ Also known as Gang Gomez
References
[edit]- ^ Suarez, Michelline Espiritu (January 31, 2022). "The art of doing nothing in Bukidnon: Staying in Malaybalay monastery during pandemic". The Philippine Star. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
- ^ a b "Monastery of the Transfiguration: A place for reflection in Bukidnon". ABS-CBN News. April 14, 2017. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
- ^ a b "Art at Transfiguration Abbey". Alliance Inter-Monastères. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
- ^ Architects, Dominic Galicia. "A NOBLE SIMPLICITY". Dom Galicia. Retrieved June 27, 2025.
- ^ a b "A Silent Visit to the Monastery of Transfiguration in Bukidnon, Philippines". Hive. September 11, 2020. Retrieved June 27, 2025.
- ^ Dolor, Danny (December 15, 2019). "Philippine Couture Collection of Gang Gomez". The Philippine Star. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
- ^ Cristine, Adelle (April 28, 2014). "Monastery of the Transfiguration in Bukidnon". Philippine Traveler. Retrieved June 27, 2025.
External links
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Media related to Monastery of Transfiguration, Malaybalay at Wikimedia Commons