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Dominican garden a monument to the soul
Source: Inquirer
Author: Adrian Lizares
Date: 2002-03-22
 
STAUNCH Catholics will observe Lent in prayer and meditation-in short, in true Catholic tradition, quite a spectacle and a feast in itself. For contemplation and soul-searching, many are flocking to Calaruega, the famous retreat house built by the Dominican friars in Batulao, Batangas.



It is easy to see why the place has become a favorite of the altar-bound. Not only does Calaruega have a beautiful chapel (approximating the church in the real Calaruega in Spain, birthplace of St. Dominic de Guzman), it also has a garden perfect for receptions. But the real virtue of the garden is that it is conducive to prayer and meditation. The garden shows how nature works-by inducing peace so that one gets in touch with the soul and the universe.



The contemplative effect is immediately felt when you step into Calaruega. The mission-style architecture that quietly greets you is set amid gardens and plants that could very well be the Garden of Eden itself. Except there is no Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil with serpents to tempt you into wrongdoing. Several building serving different functions are nestled in lush vegetation and a surprising variety of plants.



The Dominican friars had acquired the property from the late Vicente Puyat and his family in 1994. Construction followed immediately and was completed the following year. Presently there are three Dominican friars assigned to manage Calaruega.



Hip friars



I went to Fr. Jeffrey Balde, O.P. to find out how he grows his garden. I had expected to meet a friar donned in the famous Dominican with its fashionable layered, flowing look, but instead I met somebody in his track shoes and Oakley sunglasses, with a cigarette in hand, a rather jolly fellow who gave us the freedom to explore the Calaruega garden. The retreat complex is set on the slopes of the Batulao hills overlooking Batangas farmlands and the South China Sea in the far distance. The view is quite exhilarating, enhanced by the garden itself.



Fr. Edmond Nantes, O.P. conceptualized the garden and its overall layout. The wide selection plants gives a tropical feel to the Spanish-Moorish architecture. In true conservationist fashion, the contour of the land was preserved, including the trees that were existing when the property was acquired. The smart selection of plants that adapt well to the climate and altitude make the garden picture-perfect.



Many of the plants under the full glare of the sun are very floriferous, providing a great show the whole year round. Since the land extends to the low parts of the hillside, species that are well suited for such low altitude are planted there. Of course, palms and colorful bougainvilleas add that Mediterranean flavor. (I sound like I am speaking of a resort, but in a way Calaruega could very well be one.) Higher altitude plants like the Auracarias are planted near the Transfiguration Chapel, which is located at the topmost part of the complex. These evergreens are the same plants that fall victim to unwise use by being planted under the MRT.



Blossoms and prayers



Fragrant blossoms surround the statue of the Virgin holding a crystal rosary and serenely looking into that blessed landscape. At this highest area, benches surround Our Lady's statue where one can sit, relax, perhaps reflect and pray. Colorful and variegated plant species meant for the shade are tucked into what are otherwise "dark" corners. The hard features of the buildings are softened by clinging vines with such old-fashioned names as ayer, hoy, y maņana-climbing clerodendrons, which change their floral shape and color depending on their development. What impressed me most are the giant ferns, the angiopteris evicta, with their sensuous fiddleheads that emerge into towering fronds. All must have this fern in their gardens.



The plants are always neat. The first time I sneaked into Calaruega all the potted plants were impatiently in full bloom. On the day I went to see Father Jeffrey, it was the turn of the hydrangeas. The plants are forever looking healthy. It helps that there are 12 gardeners tending this piece of paradise.



The friars are not stopping there. They want to increase their collection by acquiring more specimens. Most of the whole complex is pretty much photo-ready, and we hope you enjoy the photographs here of this most splendid garden of contemplation. In this place, there's no agony in the garden.



Calaruega shows how the Dominicans and the other great missionary orders of the Church have influenced and molded cultures. In their apostolic activities, they show that the way to the soul is through nature and nurture. The search for meaning is greatly aided by peaceful and beautiful surroundings. Calaruega shows how art and natural beauty can inspire the soul to reach greater heights
 

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