PAMPANGA, Philippines – If you have prayers that need urgent answers, or are in a predicament that requires divine intervention, offer an egg to Sta. Clara and expect a favorable result – sometimes even something short of a miracle. It may sound like an old wives’ tale or even a case of blind faith, but devotees of St. Claire have a firm belief in this.
The tradition of visiting the Monastery of Sta. Clara in Betis, Guagua, Pampanga, and offering eggs in exchange for the inclusion of your pleadings to the prayers of the contemplative sisters of the Order of St. Claire (OSC) is a deeply-rooted practice of Filipino Catholics. Sor Ma. Analiza C. de Jesus, OSC, mother abbess of the Betis monastery said that it is almost like a reflex for the Catholics in Guagua to turn to St. Claire, specially for those about to take board exams or childless married couples.
The Monasterio in Betis opened 56 years ago. “Every person who steps in the grounds of the monastery is blessed by St. Claire” said Sor Ma. Analiza. A statue of St. Claire of Asisi greets all those who enter the monastery premises.
Home of hope and prayers
Patricia Bautista, describes herself as a devotee of Sta. Clara. She said she survived her student-life through the intercession of St. Claire. Her devotion started from her early childhood, a trait she inherited from her parents who are also devotees of Sta. Clara. In fact, Patricia’s mother prayed hard to the saint in order to conceive a child, making Patricia a “fruit” of her mother’s faith.
Patricia’s connection deepened when she was in college. “Nung una, kung saan school ako papasok for college tsaka ano program, nanghingi ako ng signs. (At first, I asked for signs on where I will go for college and the course I will take.)” During her years as a medical technology student, Patricia always sought the guidance of St. Claire, which she believes ultimately helped her pass her licensing exams.
Solemn sanctuary
On the other hand, Mariet Garcia, 61, a government employee and a devotee since she was 21 years old, said she still finds peace inside the monastery. “‘Pag andun ka, parang at peace ako… Pag nakatitig ako sa kanya. parang ang amo-amo. ‘di ko ma-explain ang feeling”. (When you’re there, it’s like I’m at peace… When I look into her eyes, it’s like they’re so gentle. I can’t explain the feeling.)
She said that the saint helped her reach God with her prayers for family, career, and personal peace through her participation in the annual 9-day novena during its feast day. Same goes for Leah Vizcayno, a housewife and devotee of 20 years, who “pag may specially intention nagbibigay kami ng itlog or by tray.” The feast day of St. Claire is every August 11.
Traditions of faith
Like all monasteries of the contemplative nuns of the Order of St Claire, the monastery in Betis is known for the tradition of offering help for prayer intentions of devotees. Another way devotees show their faith to Sta. Clara is through a street dance like those in Obando town in Bulacan. Childless couples participate in this tradition during the feast of Sta. Clara, dancing to the song of “Santa Clarang Pinung-Pino” in hopes of being blessed with an offspring. This is usually accompanied by an offering of egg.
Sor. Ma. Analiza said that the eggs are not simply a tradition but a symbol for its devotees. According to her, “ang klaro nila, is the same as St. Claire, clarity.” These eggs are not only consumed by the contemplatives at the monastery but they are also donated to different seminaries and orphanages.
“Lahat tayo may backer sa taas” Vizcanyo said. This has put the notion that when in need, you can always go to Sta. Clara and your prayers will be answered. But the intention of going to the monastery solely for guidance and a specific intention does not worry the congregation. Sor. Ma. Analiza is positive that the more they hold on to their faith to Sta. Clara, guidance will be given even if the intention is not granted. “It is a choice. Nakadepende pa rin sa akin if I’m taking actions towards my intentions” Bautista the devotee added. (It is a choice. It still depends on me if I’m taking actions toward my intentions.)
And in the coming years, as St. Claire continues to be an beacon of hope for many, so that even when there have no problems, devotees still visit what they know as a peaceful sanctuary. – Rappler.com
Aya Ranas is a 2nd year Communication student and a scholar at National University Clark, Pampanga. An editor-in-chief and founder of the Nationalian Clarion, she is also an Aries Rufo Journalism Fellow of Rappler for 2024.