CTK Youth Ministry Leads 83 Youth Attendees on Lenten Pilgrimage to Regina RICA

In preparation for the Lenten Season, The CTK Youth Ministry, led by Louie and Lei Abando, held a pilgrimage for 83 CTK youth to Regina RICA, in Tanay, Rizal last March 4, Sunday. Assembly was at 7 am. Food and transportation was provided.

The 13.5 hectares of Regina RICA (the letters R-I-C-A standing for ‘Rosarii Institute for Contemplation in Asia’) is located along Marcos Highway at Sitio Aguho, Sampaloc Tanay, Rizal.

Upon entering the gates of the Dominican community of Regina RICA, you immediately see the two large iconic Qigures of St. Dominic and St. Catherine of Siena at the gate. A few more steps and you see the huge letters making up ‘Dominican Sisters of Regina Rosarii’. Ri ght from inside the entrance, you can already see the huge statue located on top of the hills they call ‘El Shaddai’.

The construction of the statue started in October 7, 2009 and the blessing took place on March 19, 2010. It was inspired by the Dominican tradition of Our Lady’s protective mantle that shelters her devoted children. Below the statue is a canopy of clouds where the faces of 17 angels or cherubims can be seen. The 71- foot high statue of our Lady, Regina Rosarii, Queen of the Holy Rosary, with the young Jesus in her arms, was designed by sculptor Jose Barcena Jr.

The words “El Shaddai” means the breasts of God, and the hills are among the symbols included in the logo of Regina RICA. The three trees symbolize Regina Rica as a place of Prayer, Ecological Sanctuary, and a Wellness Environment. The 13.5 rays of the sun stand for the 13.5 hectare land, and the black and white Dominican seal signifies the Dominican presence at the place.