When the pandemic hit the world, all of those activities outside were put on hold. The building closed, face-to-face classes were stopped, and even attending a mass was stopped. That is really the most devastating thing that has happened to the world.
Everything just has to end, but we humans can adapt easily to every situation we are in. Online learning at every school was started, work from home was also implemented, and a live online mass was also held. These are just a few things that have started after some adjustment.
We can always find a way to start all over again. Viruses will never stop us, because if we just stop, then we also stop living. But now everything is going back to normal again, slowly but surely. There's still a threat out there, but life must go on, and we can only move forward to the new normal.
Anyway, because of the pandemic, I also stopped going to church. Well, it's not like I attend mass often. We go there when we think of going or when Mom asks us to. I can still count the number of times that I visited a church before the pandemic. At least, I still visit it. That's what's important.
And today, after not attending it for almost two years, I think, I finally visited a church again. this morning, with this one called "Misa de Gallo." I am too ashamed to admit it, but this is the first time that I have visited the church this year. But even so, I never stop talking to him. I never lose touch with Him.
I am not sure if you have any idea what Misa de Gallo is, or maybe you do, but here in the Philippines, we have different versions of Misa de Gallo. It is the "Simbang Gabi" or a "night mass." It is a tradition that happens yearly in December, starting on the 16th and ending on the 24th.
And, according to Wikipedia, there are more countries that celebrate Misa de Gallo, which are Spain, Bolivia, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico. They have their own version too, and just like Venezuela, the Philippines held nine days of mass. You know I feel happy whenever I complete this nine-day mass.
By the way, I am laughing with mothers this morning because it only took me 15 to 20 minutes to prepare myself, including washing my face and brushing my teeth. As for my outfit, I just got the first one that touched my hand and then wore it. While mothers, lol, almost make it for an hour.
This is the only thing that I am good at. Good thing I don't do make-up or even put powder on my face, as I find it a hassle. I just attend to it with my bare face and no design at all. I am proud that even if someone invited me for the last few minutes, they wouldn't even have to wait long for me, lol. Because I am the flash, lol.
And here's mother, who asked me for a picture. And that's our church, a Catholic church. It is still the same as I remember it. Maybe there are little changes, but they are not very visible. They really put up decorations like this every year, so it is more lively and sparkling here.
from Christmas lights to lanterns and many more. It is just sad that the church is not packed today. There are still empty seats inside, and I don't know if people forget about the "Simbang Gabi," but I am hoping that this is not the case. Or maybe people are still wary of the threat of the virus.
This church has different halls, but this is the main one where every mass was held. It has a second floor, but it's a small one, just big enough to accommodate more people. Singers are always on that second floor, and I want to share their voices, but nah. The one who sings today is my favorite out of those who sing in our church.
They are a set of men with powerful voices, enough to keep you alive, I mean, awake, for the whole duration of the mass. I prefer them over anyone else with a soothing voice like a lullaby; I feel too sleepy to keep listening to the priest. I am so bad to feel that way, but seriously, I can't keep my eyes open if the one singing has that sweet little voice.
The mass lasts for about an hour. It is fast but meaningful. And you know who else is the happiest here? It's my mommy F, because even though her knee is a little painful, she was still able to kneel in front of him. Unlike the past few days, she really had a hard time kneeling. Now she's a lot better, na. And I'm looking forward to the second day of Simbang Gabi later.
