The church was almost empty when we arrived. While it was disappointing to sit down on the left side of the chapel with a handful of new lambs, it was more frustrating to see the right side of the church with lesser attendees.  That day, our last Friday  Prayer Gathering for the year, members had all kinds of hassles to contend with.  Manila traffic was terrible. Most vehicles were on a stand still especially on the approach of intersections.   There were so many people on the road.  Perhaps people were enroute to a  company Christmas Party or simply to the nearest mall for their last minute shopping. To go to church on that day may be an unlikely option.  

It was our BOT representative Oggie Thelma Mercado who proclaimed the Gospel for the Day. For their reflections, Bro. Oggie said that for this Advent Season there are only three great gifts  or “aguinaldos” we can share as a people of God.  These are:  1).  The gift of Prayer – to be prayerful  as a way of life  2).  To imbibe reconciliation with God and Men.   3). To give something to the needy. 

Afterwards, our Music Ministry, led by Head Couple Joji Fe Guballa, took on their role.  As they rendered Songs of Praise, Songs of Thanksgiving, and Songs of Joy,  they moved our spirits and lifted our hearts to experience the solemnity of  the Christmas Story.  Yes, it’s a wonder… Music really is the language of the soul.  It uplifts our whole being to new heights.  We thank God for giving us our Music Ministry whose members unselfishly share their talents with the community!

Before Bro. Domeng Rodillas started  for his talk,  we  noticed that the chapel  was already filled by our normal crowd. Our brothers and sisters, amidst the traffic and other obstacles on the road, elbowed their way to come to Violago!  Bro Domeng said “I am impressed! Your Mater Dei has protected you all the way and now you are here to celebrate HIS coming”