Of Prayers and Devotion

About 86 percent of Filipinos are Roman Catholics so it wasn’t a surprise when we arrived at the Redemptorist Church with vehicles stuck bumper to bumper and full parking lots. It was a day of praise. It was a #beautifulSunday.

Me and my wife are both Roman Catholics. We came from families who are devout Christians. Let me tell you though that although we hold on to our faith, it isn’t as much as other Christians who are present at the church every possible Catholic feasts there are. We try to live under the fear of Whoever we put our faith into and be good.

This year, in our attempts to be a good example to our kids and aim in them the life of a good Catholic, we plan to attend Church at least once a week and if possible, in different churches. That would at least introduce them to the Catholic World and all the saints of each church we visit. It will also be an opportunity for us to spend one day in a week at best, be in an unfamiliar place and learning things together.

It took us less than an hour to get to Pasay City (Philippines). That was acceptable considering traffic here in the Philippines is a huge problem. It would take you about 2 hours on a normal day to get from Cavite City to Baclaran. That is what I like about Sunday driving. Less drivers on the street.

We arrived just in time for the mass and since it is a very popular Sunday destination for Roman Catholics, we weren’t able to get a seat. All have been occupied and you also could not drop a needle on the sides of the pews. People were just everywhere. I can only describe it through writing because I didn’t want to offend the mass goers by taking pictures inside the mass while it was on going.

The sermon was too short. Probably to make sure to mass finishes in an hour so they can keep up with the number of church goers who took the communion. After the mass, we headed to the part of the Shrine where people offer candles. There were probably a dozen rows of candle holders with patrons lighting up their torches while fervently contemplating on their hearts’ desires.

My wife had a more than a few candles picked and took a while with her prayers. I wondered what she could be praying for.

Baclaran Church is the National Shrine of Mother of Perpetual Help thus says the huge portrait that seems to be watching over the prayerful.

Then my wife finished. I hope He didn’t get tired from listening to my wife’s litany. Heading out, we noticed the churchyard looked different. It opened the sides for a little place where you can sit and enjoy the shades of the old trees.

Colorful walls graffiti-ed by the city's local artists.

Steel fences covered with locks of love as that of Paris.

My wife desperately looking if I had a love lock secretly placed for her.

Find Kiero.

The kids made a wish before we left the church. It was what Jonah taught them ever since, to make a wish at the churches they visit for the first time.

Any interesting churches you have been to lately? Would love to hear your stories about them.

This is in me in my first participation at @ace108’s #beautifulSunday challenge.

Thanks for reading!

Love,
John (and Jonah)