Naomi Irys C.
Sambo Education III-Amity
Values
I have once read this line in an inspirational bookYoull not notice it but youll do everything to show your love for God. Many have proved this line in many ways; and us too but in a simpler way than themparticipating in the activities of the Church.
We at once proved that line in our first day of Church participation. We were asked by Sister Susan to sweep and mop the former Kasambahay Center, and what was surprising was that we agreed to clean the comfort room which we do not do in our home. With only the four of us: I, Rosyen, Yssa and Lei inside, the abandoned structure was creepy in a way since it resembled the setting of a horror movie. Yet, after an hour and a half of cleaning, it was fulfilling and we left that creepy structure running.
We participated in the next days with the same routinesweep, water the plants and mop. We swept non-stop because the number of leaves falling increases every second. There were just few days that we were asked to do something different: Cut cloth for the curtains and wipe the chairs and benches inside the Basilica. When we were tasked to cut the cloth for the curtains, we went inside the ironing room of the church. There we saw a lady ironing the stole and chasuble of the priests, the sacred vestments, the wine which the priest drinks in the Eucharist and the big containers containing the Host. We also had a fun chat with the iron lady and the nuns. But we still have to focus on what we were doing since the nun was so strict about the measurement and cleanliness of the cloth. On the other hand, when we wiped the chairs and benches inside the Basilica, I felt the serenity and holiness of the place with few people inside the church. With us the one wiping it, I realized more the importance of not vandalizing or damaging the chairs.
With those days of church participation, I have realized many things. First, we should not expect that priests are perfect. As human beings, they have their own flaws but lets look up to them for doing their best of proclaiming the Word of God. Second, the Church is a sacred place but the temptation of committing sin is widely felt just around it. It makes me sad to see people share their gossips in the garden of the church, teens having their courtship or seeing my co-Bridgetines cheating just to have this project done. Third, I could really show my love for God in a simple but great way. Fourth, The Church is really busy. Fifth, it is really fulfilling to serve in the Church. I have a deep gratitude for the brains behind this project of the third year because it enabled us to realize how much we are losing for not participating and how important it is for the youth to participate in their parishes actively.
This activity made us also socialize with different kinds of people. It made us also spend time with our friends in a different way but we are still enjoying. It also paves the way for the friends to rebuild their friendship. It made us realize that in serving, there are no different walks of life, we become equal. This activity also made us forget our stress because of school, family or friends. It gave us the chance to breathe deeply and appreciate the life given us by God. This activity also gave me the chance to visit my great grandmothers ashes which is located at the ossuarium of the Basilica.
I am just so happy to have done this participation, not only because its a project but because it gave me a sense of fulfillment and attachment to God.
