Friday, December 15, 2006
Happy Birthday, Mama Mer!
It is Mary's grandma's birthday today--- at least, it's one of the grandmas, the one in the Philippines- Mama Mer! And also today- meaning December 16 (not quite "today" where I am writing this blog but today, December 16, where Mama Mer is.)
December 16 is also the first day of the Novena Masses before Christmas day. This is a Christmas tradition of the Catholic Church in the Philippines. For nine days before Christmas Day, a special Dawn mass is celebrated.
I remember attending the first mass every year when I was growing up. After all, it is my Mom's birthday and us kids (especially the daughters) are right there celebrating with her. I enjoyed this early morning jaunts to Church. The church is usually packed to the rafters (especially on this first day) and we would spend most of the time outside the church, enjoying the cool crisp air. These dawn outings are just about the only time when we sport sweaters in this tropical climate. There would be food vendors--- plying rice cakes, sweet, pink popcorn, hot peanuts and "cornik" (roasted corn kernels)... There would also be peddlers of fragrant sampaguita leis, ballooons and handmade toys. The atmosphere outside the church was much like the summer fiestas rather than the solemn devotion to the birth of Jesus Christ.
The challenge every year was to complete the Novena (attend all nine dawn masses). I remember one year that I was able to do it - Two times, maybe? and that's even stretching it - I know for sure, one time during my high school years that I made an effort to go to all nine days.
Now, I wish I was in the Philippines, with Mary, my daughter and Mama Mer's granddaughter, going to Mass and sharing in my Mom's day. I dedicate this day to my Mom.
Mom, I love you!
Mary Esther says I love you, too.
It is Mary's grandma's birthday today--- at least, it's one of the grandmas, the one in the Philippines- Mama Mer! And also today- meaning December 16 (not quite "today" where I am writing this blog but today, December 16, where Mama Mer is.)
December 16 is also the first day of the Novena Masses before Christmas day. This is a Christmas tradition of the Catholic Church in the Philippines. For nine days before Christmas Day, a special Dawn mass is celebrated.
I remember attending the first mass every year when I was growing up. After all, it is my Mom's birthday and us kids (especially the daughters) are right there celebrating with her. I enjoyed this early morning jaunts to Church. The church is usually packed to the rafters (especially on this first day) and we would spend most of the time outside the church, enjoying the cool crisp air. These dawn outings are just about the only time when we sport sweaters in this tropical climate. There would be food vendors--- plying rice cakes, sweet, pink popcorn, hot peanuts and "cornik" (roasted corn kernels)... There would also be peddlers of fragrant sampaguita leis, ballooons and handmade toys. The atmosphere outside the church was much like the summer fiestas rather than the solemn devotion to the birth of Jesus Christ.
The challenge every year was to complete the Novena (attend all nine dawn masses). I remember one year that I was able to do it - Two times, maybe? and that's even stretching it - I know for sure, one time during my high school years that I made an effort to go to all nine days.
Now, I wish I was in the Philippines, with Mary, my daughter and Mama Mer's granddaughter, going to Mass and sharing in my Mom's day. I dedicate this day to my Mom.
Mom, I love you!
Mary Esther says I love you, too.
