Hike to Mount Thabor and St Benedict

On the entrance to the monastery, there is a large sign written in Latin “PAX” meaning a “place where peace reigns”. In October 2012, The Abbey of Mount St Benedict celebrated its 100th anniversary.

The history of Mount St Benedict goes back to 1911 when Abbot Dom Mayeul de Caigny of Brazil wrote to the Archbishop of Portof- Spain, John Pius, to establish a Benedictine foundation in Trinidad.

The Archbishop was granted permission and on January 17, 1912, Dom Mayeul purchased a small estate located in the hills of Tunapuna from Andrew Victoriano Gomez. Tunapuna, which means “the way of the water”, had no roads and to get there meant climbing the steep hills on foot.

The Abbot became impressed by the splendid views and serene ambience. The asking price was 4,000 pounds, and the first building was a tapia hut. The first mass was celebrated on August 10, 1913.

Between 1912-1918, a church, guesthouse, workshop, living quarters and kitchen were constructed. By 1918, the daily crowds increased to such an extent that the monks needed to find a more secluded place for recollection and study.

The monks looked at the nearby hilltops and Mt Thabor situated at 1851 feet above sea level was the site chosen.

This new monastery was built to accommodate young monks studying theology and those seeking seclusion from the influx of daily visitors. By 1922, the mansion at Mt Thabor contained 15 rooms, a chapel, a large hall and two towers — 40 feet high. Reserved on each side of the tower were the Papal Flag and the Union Jack, which could be seen from miles around.

This was a place of solitude and in order to visit, the public had to obtain written permission.

However, the difficulty to climb the high mountain and bring supplies caused the property to be abandoned.

Today all that is left of this majestic structure is some concrete ruins. The wooden tapia castle has been completely destroyed by the rugged elements of nature. Mount St Benedict became an Abbey in February 1947 and on June 3, 1947 Dom Adelbert van Duin, a monk stationed there became the first Abbot.

His motto “to be at the service to all” and he received his abbatial blessing from Archbishop Finbar Ryan on June 16, 1947.

Over the years, the hilltops that surround Mount St Benedict are venerable to bush fires and to preserve the forest the Forestry Division replanted pine trees.

The uphill walk to the pines where Mt Thabor situated will take 40 minutes. At the summit, the grandeur of the towering pine trees and peaceful atmosphere feels like no other.

The soothing mountain breeze blowing across the valley creates a relaxing sensation.

There are fantastic and breath-taking views of Maracas St Joseph countryside, the East– West Corridor and the Central Plains. To assist in the up keeping of the church there is a cafeteria and gift shop.

Mt St Benedict also distributes yogurt and was once known for having the best honey.

On Sunday September 13, Island Hikers family hike to Mt Thabor and Mount St Benedict.

Assembly: 7 am at Massy (formerly Hi-Lo) car park, St Augustine.

Depart at 8 am Hiking time to the top 40 minutes Downhill return: 20 minutes Rating: 3 Fair {going uphill with a downhill return} Parking at the empty lot located on the opposite side of the football field heading up to the monk.

For details visit islandhikers.

com