Discipline: theology and religious studies
The Our Lady of the Philippines (OLP) Trappist Abbey was founded by the United States Region in 1972 and is the only men's monastery in the country located on the small island of Guimaras. A 75 hectare land was donated by the then Senator and Ambassador to the USA, Don Oscar Ledesma through the then Archbishop of Jaro, Iloilo, Jaime Cardinal Sin for the establishment of a monastery to the six Trappist monks coming from the different monasteries with Filipino monk, Bro. Pedro Lazo. This study aimed to determine the contribution of the OLP Trappist Abbey to community development. Anchored on the grounded theory, observation and interview with the Trappist monk, personnel, and suppliers were made. The Trappist monks divided their contemplative life into religious (prayer) and work-life practices (hora et labora). The contribution of the Trappist Abbey to community development included accommodation and food servicing for guests to spend for prayer, meditation, and retreats, livelihood and employment generation involving agriculture, vegetable production, mango orchard, food manufacturing, including bakery products and marketing. Among others, the education system for the Aeta community was established, produced several professionals for employing part-time workers, and has become a tourist destination.
ISSN 2815-228X (Online)
ISSN 20122659 (Print)
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