Do
you want to rest under the loving gaze of Our Lady Regina Rosarii? Stay eternally
at rest at Pahuwayan sa RICA Columbary
and Ossuary.
Pahuwayan sa RICA
Columbary and Ossuary was conceptualized by the Dominican Sisters of Regina
Rosarii and designed by their resident artist, Jose (Jojo)Barcena Jr.
After
the ban was lifted in the 1960s, Catholics became more open to the practice of
cremation. Columbaria now are also gaining popularity in the Philippines as it
cuts costs and saves physical space on earth.
In
1983, the late Pope John Paul II promulgated the revised Code of Canon Law.
Accordingly, the Archdiocese of Manila released in November 1998 a circular to
priests in the dioceses which echoed the recommendations of the Vatican.
Following
Cannon 1176, it states that “Deceased members of the Christian faithful must be given
ecclesiastical funerals according to the norm of law.
“The Church earnestly recommends that the pious custom of
burying the bodies of the deceased be observed; nevertheless, the Church does
not prohibit cremation unless it was chosen for reasons contrary to Christian
doctrine.”
Columbaria are continuously gaining
acceptance as an alternative to expensive and space-consuming memorial plots.
These are places where cinerary urns of our dearly departed are kept and are
usually located next to a church.
The Pahuwayan sa RICA Columbary and Ossuary is surrounded by green grass in a garden setting
next to the Regina Rosarii Chapel on the Hill directly below the loving gaze of
Our Lady Regina Rosarii.
Artist JojoBarcena said that Pahuwayansa RICA Columbary and Ossuary “is a manifestation of hope
in the appreciation of fragility of our current being which is in a process of
imminent death. It is the light of knowing our eventual end that our path in
life must be guided. However, this guidance is not meant to make us fearful,
instead it is to lead us into repentance and forgiveness.”
Why
choose eternal rest at Pahuwayansa RICA?
Filipinos value the lasting bond between the
living and the dead. For us, it is necessary to continue our relationship with
those who have gone before us and keep them forever close to our hearts. Pahuwayan sa RICA Columbary and Ossuary
is not just your regular columbary. It has unique features to benefit you and
your loved ones and you can rest assured that they will always be remembered
with love and care.
The gentle sound of the
flowing water in the nearby Lihim Waterfalls
resonates with the whispers of the wind amongst lush foliage and creates an
ambiance of serenity. You can actually take a meditation walk in the circular
path while enjoying the breathtaking view from the open air structure and
taking comfort with piped-in music.
With Pahuwayan sa
RICA Columbary and Ossuary, your beloved one will always be remembered
especially during the month of November in the liturgical life of the Dominican
Sisters of Regina Rosarii. You are assured of a prayerful atmosphere in this
solemn and sacred space.
Regina RICA is a place
of pilgrimage and so the congregation values order and cleanliness in the place
ensuring the daily care and perpetual maintenance of its columbary.
A few meters away from the columbary is
the Regina Rosarii Chapel on the Hill where Mass is said every day and where bereaved
families can pray. In the three-storey chapel structure are eight clean
restrooms.
Regina RICA also
accommodates onsite reception and lunch facilities and services. It serves delicious
vegetarian food which can somehow give comfort to grieving families.
RICA has a safe and
secure parking place. You vehicle can also park near the columbary or the
chapel after a vehicle parking permit is obtained from the Pilgrims’ Place.
The
Setting and the Landscape
Pahuwayan sa RICA
Columbary and Ossuary lies on the 13.5 hectare land of Regina RICA in Tanay,
Rizal and administered by the Dominican Sisters of Regina Rosarii. The new circular
edifice in the place which occupies 4,000 square meters including the garden is
nestled in the mountainside between the 71 foot statue of Our Lady Regina
Rosarii and the Regina Rosarii Chapel. Its architecture and landscape gives an
ambiance of peace, serenity and calmness.
Unique
in its design and made to last many generations, Pahuwayansa RICA Columbary and Ossuary commands a breathtaking view
of nature with its trees, vegetation and hills that brings you closer to
nature as you visit your loved ones.
At
the end of the outer pathway in the left lane, there is a passageway that will
lead you to the viewing deck where you can take in the view of the Lihim Waterfalls on the right side. On
your left you can see the view of Sunset Hill, Regina Rosarii Chapel, and the
statue of St. Joseph waving to Our Lady Regina Rosarii.And depending on the
time of your visit, you can even observe the flock of grazing sheep and be
entertained by the sounds of the Bengali chicken.
Pahuwayansa RICA
Columbary and Ossuary sets the mood of closeness with our loved ones through
the serenity of nature. The flow of water gliding gently through rocks and
boulders, from Lihim Waterfall harmonizes
with the gentle music of the wind.
Although
outdoor, you can be protected from the scorching heat of the sun as fruit
bearing trees are plentiful in the area. The green grass and the artistically-designed
ornamental plants add to the freshness of the air and the serenity and peace
that you can only experience in the surroundings of Regina RICA.
The
Architecture
Pahuwayansa RICA
Columbary and Ossuary, with its unique circular design, features 1,350 burial
niches.Jojo Barcena said that, “the circular shape of the columbary is a symbol of
eternity, the very gift awaiting us upon death.”
The facade is the artist’s own concept of contemporary life. He said, “These
formations depict the pixels which are the very foundations of the pictures
that overrule and overwhelm modern times. As we partake of our journey in this
world, we must take special care to invest for our souls in eternal riches
instead of fleeting fancies.”
The
whole place is surrounded with eight mystic women saints beloved by the
Dominican Sisters of Regina Rosarii and gracefully carved and composed by Jojo Barcena.
He explained, “The angelic figures of the women mystics gracefully stand guard
in every lane so that their faces offer quiet comfort. Their elegant garb moves
fluidly seemingly caught in the middle of a passionate dance.”
At the entrance of the Columbary is the statue
of Mary Magdalene with her popular message during the resurrection “I have seen the Lord!”Barcena depicted
her as “fluid and active as she dances with joy in witnessing Christ’s
resurrection.”
Upon
entering Pahuwayan, you will be
welcomed by two saints, St. Joan of Arc and St. Therese of the Child Jesus,
gracefully pointing to their lanes. Inside at the first turn of the inner area
of the circular place you will find St. Anne, the mother of Mary, with the
little Mary gazing lovingly at her mother. At the opposite side, St. Gertrude
is calmly seated on top of the vaults. Near her is St. Elizabeth of Hungary. On
the second level just above St. Anne, you will find the Blessed Mother Theresa
of Calcutta and St. Rose of Lima sitting elegantly on the top of the vault.
The
active and animated quality of the figures can be attributed to the artist’s
belief that “life creates its own unique harmony and we must dance in the music
of our destiny. The mystics gather together in worship united by nothing more
than the unwavering love and dedication to serve God and serve others. They
stand as a resounding reminder for us to choose the life and ministry that will
ignite our hearts and bring peace to us and our souls.
At
the center of the columbary, there is a round metallic altar table where you
can put the urns of your beloved during the burial Mass.The circular aisles are
illuminated with hidden bulbs in different colors.
The Vaults
Pahuwayan sa RICA Columbary and Ossuary has seven lanes of niches.
Each lane is guarded and dedicated to a woman mystic. The niches are made of Class
A-concrete casted with reinforced steel coated with waterproofing inside and
out. The material is extremely durable and highly resistant to the effects of
the environment. The interior of the
niches are finished with premium gold aluminum cladding. The niches are designed
incorporating multiple moisture prevention and dissipation features. An
atmosphere of reverence and dignity is further heightened with covers made from
all prime natural black stone granite sourced from Italy. All the bolts and
nuts are stainless steel and welded inside the concrete for durable strength
and security. Each niche has its own wall and is self-contained to prohibit
unauthorized access.
For
aesthetic and security, a double nut lock with umbrella cap is used to close
the niche. Portraying a contemplative way of life, the artist did not use
striking colors. In addition, he used a minimalist concept-design to create a
prayerful atmosphere.
All
the niches are sized to accommodate 4-6 family members’ standard-sized urns.
All the niches are at prime locations with mountain or altar view.The faceplate
inscription will include the name, birth year and death year of the beloved
dead. To ensure uniformity, the size of the letters are designated including both
upper case and lower case letters.
Intended to bring these niches to the hands of many, the
right for the use of the vaults can be assigned or transferred.
Why planning your final perpetual resting
place is important
If you are considering cremation and a special
way of remembrance, an interment in a columbarium is the best option.Thinking
about funerals leaves most people feeling uncomfortable. However, planning your
own funeral arrangements offers immense emotional and even financial security
for you and your family. In time of grief, unexpected pressures can often
result in hurried decisions which may be contrary to the will of the deceased.
With pre-planning, families are consoled knowing that the funeral reflects what
their loved one desired and gives them peace of mind at a stressful time.
When you accept that death is a basic part of
life, you can confidently imagine your earthly mortality and embrace the
practical realities of planning for the time of death. Securing a time- honored
privilege to use one of the vaults at Pahuwayan sa
RICA Columbary and Ossuary for you and your family’s perpetual rest is a
good option for your peace of mind. A columbary presents flexibility and
affordability as a final resting place for you and your love ones.
Donation
depends on position
Pahuwayan sa
RICA
Columbary and Ossuary offers affordable donation amounts.The donation for the vaults depends
on the level of the vault. Donors can
avail of the privilege to use the vaults with one time donation or monthly
donations. Currently, the Pre-Operation Donation is still being offered where
you can save 30% of the total cost.
Getting
a vault and making a donation for your columbary will ensure that even after
the flowers have withered, you will continue to leave a legacy.
For more
information on how to reserve a vault, please call Sr. Brenda at 401-2036 or 0919-960-7031.
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