Misa De Gallo Diaries 2010 Day Seven: Magnificat

:

Day 7: Magnificat

One of my most favorite songs from the Bible is Mary's song of Magnificat. The song that praised and honor the glory of God as the savior and the light of the troubled world. The song was sung by mary as she conceived in her womb Jesus who is the  Messiah and brought the good news to the world. And on the seventh day of Misa de Gallo, I now found myself in a new church that I would only view from afar but unable to get inside and attend mass. This Parish was the San Roque Church located near Boni Avenue and also close to the office where I decided to go and check out this parish that I have passed many times but never go the chance to explore the church with a very high structure. 

Indeed the church was made to be high because of the limited space of the lot to fit it inside the community in that part of Mandaluyong. San Roque is a farmer and always depicted with a scar and dog. He was poor yet never let his faith down just like Mary that also sung a melody of praise that her heart had composed. The song of Magnificat is also one of my favorite praise song because of the simple yet strong words of faith and thanksgiving. 

This is how Jesus would make us when we welcome him into our hearts. Though born in a manger, has proven even before his arrival that he does bear good news. Erases all worries and fears and also makes you sing out for joy.

two more days
singing while waiting...

Misa De Gallo Diaries 2010 Day Six: Shared Time

:

Day 6: Shared Time

I have to admit that being too busy with a lot of this just stress me out and what I do need more right now is time. However I am still very thankful for the blessings that I have received within this year. Time indeed is a very important thing that we cannot never get back. So that has been by philosophy in life to live it to the fullest and enjoy its fruits without affecting anybody. Now I am at my sixth day of the Misa De Gallo and I just had my first part of my medicals on this day. I chose to spend the rest of the day off at the mall and do some wifi. I am also pressured with the fact that I need to finish music pieces for the stage play in January.  

So much things to do with so little time. This had me worried in the past as I got busy, the time for myself especially in prayer also declined. I am too worried that being to busy will would lead me to be ill. But I would also find myself in many situations that I encounter God in many ways and in places that I did not expect (though the mall chapel is something I already know). It will indeed touch your heart.

Last year this is where I ended the Misa De Gallo 2009. Aside from the ambiance and the wonderful reflections from the priest of this chapel, I dont know but I would find myself emotional inside the chapel even though I am a regular visitor. I'm glad to have my time to be in chapel for the simbang gabi series and with this shared time, I am thankful that I was able to encounter  a new learning and another nice reflection.

Three days more...

Misa De Gallo Diaries 2010 Day Five: Mutual Love

:

Day 5: Mutual Love 

This time, I was able to visit the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Mandaluyong. The shrine is known to also have the relic of Sister Faustina, in which Jesus revealed himself to her and journal every encounter in her diary. For the second time, I almost woke up late but I was thinking of going to another church to see what experience and message will he give to me during the dawn masses.

Now that I am on my fifth day and the days goes by so fast, I decided to complete the simbang gabi with different churches. Its really hard especially with limited time and also searching churches and the schedules which varies and could cause me to be late or else.

Still tired and quite sleepy with the number of schedules of work and other things throughout the day. And even with these conditions, I still feel that the church is good refuge place to be with good and also seek peace from within and also resting place. With a lot of worries that I have felt and feeling inside. I wanted to have to be given a sign or an opportunity with God's grace on how will I face these challenges.  

Unlike the disturbed moment yesterday, the fifth night is fairly silent. The Gospel talks about the reason why Jesus came to the world. It is LOVE. For love we were given the messiah amidst the sin and chaos that is happening on that period. He calls for us to love also, if not him, be it be done with the least of the people for it would also be the same in praising God for acts of kindness. The network of love is the most powerful yet the most fragile value that should be kept and enriched. Just like the church, because of his everlasting love he appeared and shared the message of salvation through his divine mercy. 

Now it will be a few more days but I also felt that time flies so fast. 

Yet with LOVE, its seems so endless yet it slows down or freezes time to make each moment memorable. 

Misa De Gallo Diaries 2010 Day Four: Disturbed Silence

Day 4: Disturbed Silence

The fourth day of simbang gabi happened with the parish where I started last year's simbang gabi, The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Sta Mesa. Its actually one of the most accessible churches since its near my place. Although I am not a regular parishioner as I go to different churches for mass. But I do appreciate that this hundred year old parish has its share on my spiritual life.Day 4 was actually considered a regular Sunday mass according to father. And this was after I went to the company Christmas party in SMX and also another High School Friends' Party. Though never intoxicated but just stuffed with a lot of food and fun from the parties, I still reminded myself of my obligation to complete the simbang gabi. Because of the events, I never got the chance to sleep or even nap since I am running out of time and also options. But I did expect that I would visit the parish in this year's Misa de Gallo. 

Though it would be another day at mass was something I was not expecting to happen in the church. In the midst of the homily, a fight broke off within the premises of the Parish. The priest did notice the commotion and the mass was temporarily halted to notice the ruckus. The riot did not last long, since there were people and (police?) who responded to the situation. The reason of the fight is unknown to me, and I don't bother to know. I would just make matters worse. It would be ironic as the message of happiness would also mixed with acts of anger. In the end, I hope everything went well. 

I would look very disturbing but the good thing is that in the end there was no grave acts committed. Though most people would like to know what happened to that fight. To take my mind off of this, I decided to buy puto bungbong. to make me feel the simbang gabi spirit with this warm and sticky breakfast. This also reminded me of one thing that just like the journey to the nativity, it is not easy and peaceful, they have to go into uncomfortable things until Jesus was born and brought peace on that night. 

The empty crib awaits, waiting for the prince of peace...
day four done.

Misa De Gallo Diaries 2010 Day 3: Weary Heart

:


Day 3: Weary Heart

Third day. And its seems so faster with my very busy schedule. I have a lot of appointments lately from events, work and even reunions and parties. But of course I always look forward to attend the Misa de Gallo as my own personal retreat and encounter with God in preparation for Christmas day. After work I went to Divisoria to check on good buys and as always that traffic is indeed heavy in that area for both people and vehicles. Unfortunately after 2 hours roaming Divisoria, I did not bought anything but only had dinner at Mang Inasal. This tested my patience since I was disappointed with the service because of many things. The time was almost 8pm so I was worried that I may miss the mass. I thought that the nearby church of San Lorenzo in Ongpin would have its mass on 8 but when I got there there, it seems that they will start 30 minutes to an hour later. This is critical for me since I would go home more late and would also affect my other schedules. So my plan was top go to another church near the area. I was planning to go to Intramuros but it would take more time. So what I had in mind was Sta. Cruz or Quiapo. But since Sta Cruz would be near the Jeep route so I went ahead with it.

This would be my first anticipated mass since I would like to avoid what happened on the 2nd day. There was a different feeling on this church because unlike the previous ones, the church has a lot of indigent parishioners which others are beggars, vendors and others. It made an impact on me that despite the happiness that the season brings, there are still a lot of people who are in this condition. I wish I could help, and what I would like is a thing that would be long-term and take them off the streets and live decent lives.

Just like me, the Gospel talks about Joseph as he is also weary about the pregnancy of Mary. He is also stuck into a situation that he himself can't find a way to explain and would also jeopardize the birth of Jesus. But God sent out his heralds to ensure Joseph that the one conceived is the Messiah. The birth of Jesus was filled with weariness at first but God finds a way to console their feelings. You too may have a weary heart this Christmas, ask God that he will give you peace.

Let me share a Taizé cant that you can sing to console the weary heart

Nada te turbe

Nada te espante

Qien a Dios tiene , nada e falta  

Nada te turbe

Nada te espante

Solo Dios Basta

nothing can trouble,

nothing can frighten, 

those who seek God shall never go wanting

nothing can trouble,

nothing can frighten, 

God alone fills us.

Misa De Gallo Diaries 2010 Day Two: Unexpected Serendipity.

Day Two: Unexpected Serendipity. 

I almost missed the second day of the Misa de Gallo when I woke up at exactly 4:10, ten minutes late for the 4pm mass at the nearby Our Lady of Fatima Parish, but I had sudden reflex that I can catch up on another church that I can go to. It was the EDSA shrine. since I know that they have the mass at 4:30 so I do have a few minutes to commute there. Though I have computed the time that it will be exact given I dont wait and there is less or no traffic since it so early in the morning. I took a jeep to EDSA and then a bus going to ortigas Robinsons. One surprise for me is to see one of friends Kuya Lei O Lap on the bus with his friend, I knew that they will also go to EDSA shrine since I also encountered him last year at the same place. Coincidently, it was funny though we never talked during the trip and also at mass, that I also find people who are also into the spirit of the simbang gabi. 

Though another dilemma that I have encountered is the time from the shrine going to work. Though is one bus ride away, I could actually be late since my shift starts at 6am. But thankfully, I was able to return to the office 10 minutes before 6am. I was racing numbers in my mind that made me worry too much about work. But I realized that it was also refreshing to know that I started the day with a prayerful journey. Indeed another adventure it was and it was unexpected serendipity.

The Gospel for today is the longest from I presume, sine it was the genealogy of Jesus from the first generation and other 14 generations spanning from Abraham to Joseph. Though it would be more of historical account, it has this essence that it was well planned. It was not an accident, it was not coincidence, it was beautifully planned, unexpected just like I had experienced during this day. Meeting an old friend and also manage to go to another church to hear mass. This made me inspired that I was allowed to have opportunities and these are given unexpectedly yet leaves a long lasting impression and this is why I am sharing my experience.

Misa De Gallo Diaries 2010 Day One: Simple Start

Day One: Simple Start

Another year has passed and this time I go on another adventure again to complete a tradition that most Pinoys also follow. The Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo is also my way of professing my faith and also finds it very fulfilling to complete the 9 days. The first year of Misa De Gallo diaries were really tough yet was also happy experience. On its second year, I hope that this also give another unforgettable experience. I look forward  to know more about traditions, friendships and also history since most of my trips are not bounded with only one church. Also this will be different as I also have a lot of schedules and work to attend to, unlike last year. Generally, this is still something new, this is also something that comes once a year. So better make the most out of it. And I'm very happy to share to you the first day! Now with perseverance and enough sleep I know I can get through this and also learn a lot of things from people and also the encounter at the house of God. Join me!

For the first day, I planned to have it with EDSA shrine or Manila Cathedral but due to distance and schedule, I went ahead to the office and decided to go to the nearest church which is Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Addition Hills. I have passed so many times but never got the chance to celebrate mass there.The church looks really small due to its location but it houses a lot of parishoners that even spills out into the streets. And since its also my first Misa De Gallo, so this makes this day special as it also kick off the start of the adventure. Though had only a few hours of sleep I was able to stay awake throughout the mass. The first gospel was about John the Baptist as the herald of the Lord until his arrival. And also of the fact that people would be excited at first but would turn cold after he left. This is true for us Christians as we also be excited at first but would lose enthusiasm after some time. That is why the challenge of the gospel is to always keep our hearts aflame and vigilant as the hour of the savior is fast approaching and what we will be doing on that hour.

After the mass, the Mgsr asked the community to join in in a small feast of kakanin and coffee provided by the barangay and some sponsors. Of course, the Bibingka and Puto-bungbomg would never be left out as people also lined in stands for the Christmas delicacy. I decided to go back to the office since its almost my shift and I still have to work. SO far I could rate my first day as a major major success with the inspiration and motivation that I have discovered on the first day of the Misa de Gallo. One down, 8 days to go!

Misa de Gallo Diaries

One of the project that I am happy to share. It was sacrifice indeed as I struggle trough different routes to get to the churches and have a unique experience in each location. You can check my posts last year with the links below. And for this year, it will be another challenge as I also go into this tradition while having time for work. But the moral of this one is how can I be patient and also be faithful. A journey that I made me realize a lot of things in life, to be happy, to be thankful and always find something interesting and inspiring even after going to mass for 9 consecutive days. This is another year for the Misa De Gallo diaries...

Misa de Gallo Diaries: Day nine

As the simbang gabi ends with this last day, I've never noticed that it has been nine days already. Was I too used to it or I enjoyed it a lot that time passed by too fast. Now for the last leg I was drawn into the Chapel of the Eucharistic Lord in Megamall. But I have not gone into shopping in the mall, it was really to attend the last day of this devotion. And as this is dubbed as the biggest indoor mall chapel in the world, it has been an effective connection for Filipinos who loves going to the mall as well as the deep spirituality that would not jeopardize both sides. Athough many still opose to this kind, it has the support of the Archdiocese thus clearing all the issues. Nevertheless, this has been a spiritual spring amidst the commercial and material desert.

The presider for the mas was Father Que which is an expert in cathecesis. He would perfectly integrate the catacethical explanation of the gospel in layman's terms and explain them in a very simple manner that is not boring. He stressed that simbang gabi is not made for wishing because God already knows our needs and will provide them at the right time and venue. The essence of simbang gabi is to prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus, just like the experiences of Mary , John the baptist and his parents.

And as Christmas dawns, it is important to know that this is also a way of thanking God for the things we have today. Our survival up to now and what will happen in the future. The Gospel also speaks of the testimony of Zechariah as he regains his voice and hearing as he wrote the word John on the tablet asking him what will be the name of his son. As John came into the world he now paves the way as the arrival of the Messiah comes.

It was very fulfilling that I have completed the nine days of Misa de Gallo. Yes there were different and unique experiences, new learnings, new places and happy memories that arose amidst the inconviniences that I have encountered along the way. And like what I noticed, time did pass by as you were enjoying the journey. I would like to call it a pilgrimage even if its not very far but really helped me spiritually as I had realizations along the way as well as the sermons given by each unique priest. For now, I know that I have done a part to thank God for the blessings I have gotten this year yet still pray for present woes. It made me firm to my faith and hopefully I would also get my friends to join me next year. And I am now blogging this as a diary of what had happened in the 9 days. These blogs would also remind me of the things I've been through and if ever it will also inspire others in any little way. And on Christmas day, I am now preparing myself as I open my heart and let the Messiah be born in it.

Misa de Gallo Diaries: Day eight

The eighth day of simbang gabi actually led me to a church that brought me memories. This is the Immaculate Conception Cathedral formerly a parish in which the school behind it was my school in pre-school and early elementary days. The church made a makeover after it was dedicated as the cathedral for the diocese of Cubao. I also remembered that this is where I had my first comunion.

The church is still in renovation up to now but you would see that the details were meticulous and made a big leap from a parish to a real cathedral. The celing is studded with stars that would make you look up to star-gaze. And because of its very beautiful interiors and upgrades, I was thinking that someday I would get married here. Memories plus nice interiors...that would explain everything. Breathtaking!

Yes, about the gospel. it is still about the story of John and his parents who are known to be pious and obedient to the Lord. This time Zacheriah was tested as he lost his voice and became deaf because he doubted if he would have a son brought about the news the Angel Gabriel told him as he was doing rituals in the temple of God. Now the thing that was really striking was, Nothing is impossible with God. Its sounds like the slogan of a sports brand but it was proven in the story which the continuation will be testified on the last day as it culminates and will reveal the arrival of Jesus on Christmas day.

Misa de Gallo Diaries: Day seven

Just like last night (or morning), I also went back to a previous church for the seventh day. But this was accidental because of my poor scheduling and on the spot decisions that almost jeopardized the essence and value of the simbang gabi. I originally planned to try a church in the Ortigas-Pasig Area, but I failed to check on the churches that are available and their respective schedules. I was at St. Francis Parish at 8pm but they were already done with thier mass when I arrived. Then I thought if Megamall chapel would start at that time but from what I know its also at the same time as this parish. Then, I made a move by going to EDSA shrine on a short bus ride but eventually to find out that they only serve dawn masses and no night ones.

So I was getting desparate. Its almost 930pm and I am confused on what church would have mass at that time. And then, I remembered San Juan church that starts at 930. So I acted quick to take a jeepney ride to the church. However, I also encountered traffic as we passed by greenhills which made me a little bit depressed and guilty of what have I done. But it was a grace that I have arrived at the church. And was able to understand that the gospel was about Zacheriah, John the baptist's father. As I would remember I am drawn into a church dedicated to John the baptist.

My view at the church was different since I was near the door and never seated. But this gave me another perspective of the church that it had murals about John's life including his father. You might say it would be old art but it was very helful in reflecting about the message for today. And since the church is one of my recent discoveries, I would like to take sometime to go around the church and probably know some history about it. But for now, its still not a good time. However, the experiences I had in this church actually helped me a lot in understanding the message of the gospels especially about John, the voice coming from the desert preparing the way of the Lord.

Misa de Gallo Diaries: Day six

Day six is somewhat like starting misa de Gallo again because I went back to Sacred Heart Parish for the sixth day mass. However, I managed to attend it in the morning making the experience a little bit different from the first time. Well one thing odd about the experience is that since its very early in the morning and our street is so quiet yet there would be incidents of theft and assult. My mother acted as an observer as I walk in the eerie but lighted street. Eventually, I did make it to the church but a little bit late.
As you may know, the gospel would again speak of the visitaion of Mary to Elizabeth, who bears John the baptist. And as the anticipation for John's birth comes so does also the coming of Jesus. I was wondering since she was said to be at her old age if the pregnancy would be difficult as well as raising John as a child. Oh well, at least he grew up to be a great servant of God.

After the mass, I noticed that there were vendors of bibingka and puto bungbong. Oh what joy! I have not tasted these two in years! Although I noticed that prices also went up too as time passed. But I had to take this chance to get them and probably feel nostalgic about the taste and feeling. But more than that, I also tried the lugawan thats also beside the church. I forgot the name but it is famous for the students of PUP and that area because the lugaw is very affordable and you can get refills!

As I arrived home, I went ahead in taking a bite from the puto bungbong and bibingka. And since the journey home would be humid and cold. I have to heat them up in the microwave so they would appear as freshly baked. And they did not dissapointed me as they tasted good and brought fond memories. And it registered in my mind that I would probably get another serving on the next days of simbang gabi.

Misa de Gallo Diaries: Day five

For this day, I went to a dawn mass again. And for this trip, I chose to go to Quiapo Chruch. And if you may not know, I do have a devotion for the Black Nazarene. That is why since high school I would always attend the Feast of the Black Nazarene every January. Like me, there would be millions of devotees that would testify the miracles that happened in their lives with having a strong spiritual connection with Jesus. Being the central figure of faith, his birth would show his great mission which eventually showed his love for mankind by being crucified on the cross.

The church is coincidently the parish of St. John the Baptist. Whch is also what the gopel is all about. Even within the womb. John showed his excitement as Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth. At this sight, Elizabeth felt very blessed and spoke of praise to Mary and the one in he womb. And we knw that John the Baptist lived the life similar to the prophet Elijah. He is also the "voice that cries out in the desert saying prepare the way of the Lord". With this the arrival of Jesus has proven his Kingship and thet title of Messiah.

This journey to Quiapo was very exciting because even if the number of devotee are overflowing from inside, I was able to get inside and also got sprinkled with a lot of holy water. I often wondered if it is possible that holy water would be vented out in sprinklers so everyone would be showered (and get wet) with it. But it made me realized that even some may not be sprinkled with blessings, one may need to be patient with waiting for the right time. One may pray for years for healing for a certain disease, but would not loose hope. And with this hope, it makes us alive. It makes us strive to be better. It makes us rise from our grieving and sorrows. And hope is also the message of Christmas.

Misa de Gallo Diaries: Day four

The fourth night of simbang gabi was very special to me since its also our Christmas Party for AYOM (Archdiocesan Youth Organizations and Movements) at the Arsobispado de Manila in Intramuros, Manila. I've been working with this group for the whole year with major activities such as retreats and team buidling. And for this night, we will have mass before the actual party. I was also excited to see the belen collection the archdiocese is displaying. They are just small figurines so they dont take a lot of space but they are well crafted.

The chapel inside arsobispado has been my favorite indoor chapels despite its seating capacity. Its ambiance is simple yet very solemn. The mass was celebrated by our minister Father Marthy Marcelo. Its his first time to spend Christmas with the AYOM group since his installation on March. We loved his sermons because even it starts with witty humor, eventually he would turn it to a serious, touching and meaningful speech. He is also very new in the priesthood as he celebrated his first year this year. And we are looking forward for more years of journeying with him.

The message in for the mass' gospel is still linked to the message of being not afraid from God's will be with him and will protect all who are faithful to him. This time we would also see Joseph as he recieve the good news although he hesitated at first. If I were in his shoes, I would also be hesistant but the good thing that he done is that he chose to follow the great plan for the arrival Jesus.
As I was saying we also had the Christmas Party also at the same venue but in the 4th floor where Pope John Paul II also dined years ago. We were about 150 people there. Of course there is food, games, dances but no booze (hey its a church movement!). But eventhough, we had a lot of fun thinking that this buiding is the office of the Archdiocese of Manila. This just proves that being pious can be fun especially when you have your friends.