Third Sunday of Advent 2016

It was our first time in the Iglesia de la Sagrada Familia, locally known as the Holy Family Church, in Sampaguita Village. And unlike in the two previous Sundays of Advent, we attended morning Mass this time. Actually, we arrived 20 minutes before the 7:30 AM Mass. I was impressed to see that they also have the missalette Sambuhay (St. Pauls Media Pastoral Ministry), the shortened form of the missal which contains the prayers and rites used by the priest in celebrating Mass. I first encountered this missalette at the Iglesia de San Jerónimo Emiliani y Santa Susana in Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupà several years ago. Throughout the Mass, my son Mómay was the one who used it. I hope all churches have this kind of missalette so that youngsters would be able to use it as their guide, thus enabling them to understand and thoroughly appreciate the Mass more.

Iglesia de la Sagrada Familia.

The Holy Family Church is small and simply designed. Actually, it looks like a large house, quite modern-looking unlike the church in Chrysanthemum and the one in Elvinda Village. Both churches looked classic, but this church in Sampaguita Village, particularly some of its wooden images, looked artistically modern. The wooden images reminded me of Paeté, La Laguna, because of the bas relief wood works of the Holy Family and the Virgin Mary near the altar.

These wood works reminded me of those in Paeté, La Laguna.

At the altar, right behind the crucifix, is a mosaic artwork. Another thing I noticed also is that this church has flowering plants by the altar. I even check if they're real — they are! I like it that way because I love flowering plants, being a nature lover.

This flowering plant by the altar is real.

The first reading was very touching, Today's gospel taught us to "say to those whose hearts are frightened: be strong, fear not! Here is your GOD, he comes with vindication: with divine recompense, He comes to save you." I was also touched by the second reading which said "You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one another, that you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates."

I just wondered why the priest, Fr. Ricardo M. Pajutan, Jr., did not give Holy Communion. Taking his place were his lay ministers (being Traditional Catholics, we didn't allow Krystal, Mómay, and Jefe —he just had his first Holy Communion last Thursday, the feast day of the Immaculate Conception— to receive the Host from them). Maybe the priest has not yet gone to confession? After all, although a priest, he is still human, and a Catholic like all of us, of course. I suspect that it is a sin for a priest who has not yet gone to confession to offer Holy Communion to parishioners. But I'm not really sure. I am not that knowledgeable regarding Catholicism. Me and my family still have a lot to learn about it.

After the Mass, our family explored the church's environs. At the back of the church, we discovered Saint Mark Hall. It's very relaxing out there because it's an open hall with a view of a stream which connects to the San Isidro River. The stream's banks has fruit-bearing trees and is filled with greenery. I would love to relax there with my family next time and have our merienda there, or perhaps for some siesta, hehehe!!!

Relaxing view at the back of the church.

We found these images at the Saint Mark Hall. Another way of looking at the Holy Family.

A sampaguita growing in front of a house near the church. But of course, this is Sampaguita Village.  =)

The priest said during Mass that the theme for the first Sunday of Advent is for Peace. The second Sunday was for True Love. Today was for Joy. He also explained that being happy is different from being joyful, that being joyful means eternal happiness. Hmmm, interesting. That's why before going home, I bought Chickenjoy for our lunch, hahaha!

Yes, we did enjoy our modest meal, and this modest meal gave us joy, just like what its bucket says: "Bring JOY to the Table". Yes, thank GOD for the blessings of JOY today. I am hoping for many more joys to come: blessings or eternal happiness. Me and my family will love to receive it with much JOY in our hearts.  ❤ =)

Family picture in front of the altar. It is also Junífera Clarita's 28th month today! Happy 28th month, baba levs! =)

                                                      -Yeyette-

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Advanced Merry Christmas, everyone! =)