Vincentian Hills: Close to Nature, Closer to God

Last week we went to Angono to check the venue of our Intimacy Weekend next month.

Vincentian Hills Seminary is a 50-year old structure seated on top of a hill overlooking Laguna Bay and the Sierra Madre Mountains. To reach the place by public transportation, one has to take a jeepney to Binangonan via Double Highway (Manila East Road) and get off at Col. Guido St. (Landmarks: Right - Scapyard Cafe, Left - 7-Eleven). You'll know it's time to alight the vehicle when you see the billboard of Thunderbird Resort. :) From there you can ride a tricycle that will take you to the gate of Vincentian Hills.

Upon reaching the gate, you will need to walk uphill towards the main building. It isn't really a steep climb but it can still make you sweat. And it will be the start of your journey to God, with God. :) You will pass by a bridge where you can see mini waterfalls and a grotto. After the bridge, you will be led into prayer by the prayer guides beginning with Hail Mary. It's truly a beautiful spiritual exercise. :) You'll know you're almost there when you see the Glory Be. And right after you say "Amen" you're already stepping at the main entrance of the seminary. It's an old structure but it has its own beauty. Like what the title of this post says, "close to nature, closer to God." :)

We were welcomed by Fr. Danny, one of the four priests residing in the seminary. We had a little chat and he happily toured us around the place. He first showed us the Conference Room, the only airconditioned room in the whole property.

Then he led us to the dormitory where each bed has its individual closet. :)

He also showed us the main chapel where they hold mass every Sunday.

After that we went to the rooftop to have a better view of Laguna Bay and the Sierra Madre mountains. From up there you can see the garden below, the trees, the waters, everything beautiful and relaxing. :)

Then he brought us to more rooms and a little prayer room where people can spend their quiet time with the Lord.

Then we went downstairs to check the dining hall, the activity hall, the garden, and the mini chapel.

According to Fr. Danny, the seminary has been used as location for movie and tv productions. Some of the scenes in the TV series "Nang Dahil sa Pag-ibig" were taken from here. Serene and sacred are two words that can best describe the whole place. It's a perfect place to commune with God. It reminds us how simple our lives should be. Live simply so others may simply live. :)

My take-home message is this:

"To evangelize the poor, He sent me."

St. Vincent, Servant of the Poor :)

I'm really blessed to have come to this place. I felt like I had my own retreat. The experience was great! I am recharged, inspired, moved, and even more driven to go and build the church of the home and the church of the poor. Can't wait to be more blessed and enlightened at the Intimacy Weekend next month. :)

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