His Eminence Cardinal Luis Antonio “Chito” Tagle recently took canonical possession of the suburbicarian Diocese of Albano in Italy – a solemn, historic step that places one of the Philippines’ most recognizable churchmen among the highest ranks of the College of Cardinals – and he did it while wearing a special handwoven abaca-silk chasuble made in Bukidnon.

Cardinal Tagle celebrated the occasion wearing a spectacular handwoven abaca-silk chasuble reported to have come from the Monastery of the Transfiguration in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. The chasuble truly made the universal rite distinctly Filipino that day.

The chasuble is the outermost vestment a priest or bishop wears at Mass. Liturgically and symbolically it carries deep meanings: historically derived from a Roman outer garment, the chasuble is described in liturgical sources as the priest’s “yoke of Christ” and is associated with charity, the seamless robe of Christ, and the dignity of the Eucharistic celebration. Its color, material and decoration all contribute to the visual theology of the liturgy, telling the faithful what kind of feast or season is being observed and inviting contemplation of the mysteries being celebrated.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, born June 21, 1957, is widely known for his pastoral style, theological depth and leadership in global Catholic institutions. He previously served as Archbishop of Manila and as head of Vatican offices concerned with evangelization; in 2025 he was assigned the suburbicarian see of Albano, one of the ancient dioceses around Rome traditionally held by cardinal-bishops. His voice has become influential not only in the Philippines but across the global church.

When that chasuble is handwoven from abaca and silk, it adds layers of meaning: a connection to local ecology (as abaca is a native Filipino fiber), to craft traditions, and to the Church’s longtime practice of using beauty and local materials to express worship.

Meanwhile, the Monastery (Abbey) of the Transfiguration in Malaybalay, Bukidnon — commonly known as Transfiguration Abbey — is a Benedictine community founded in the 1980s and famous for its pyramid-shaped church designed by National Artist Leandro Locsin. The Abbey hosts a two-storey museum that houses a celebrated collection of liturgical vestments created by Dom Martín “Gang” Gómez, OSB — a former couturier-turned-monk whose works fuse Filipino textiles and high liturgical art. The collection has been exhibited internationally and is a permanent feature at the Abbey’s museum. Visitors to the monastery can see these vestments and learn about the materials and techniques behind them.

READ: How to get to the Monastery of the Transfiguration

READ: Visiting the Monastery? Here’s the dress code

Photos courtesy of Dom Martín “Gang” Gómez, OSB

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