March 6, Beautiful Sunday

The world has been dark and gloomy since the COVID-19 pandemic exploded in late October 2019. On January 2020 Pope Francis issued Oratio Imperata. Oratio means prayer. Imperata means a command or order which must be strictly followed. It must be a part of all prayers during masses, novenas, fiestas in churches, chapels, convents, etc. It has been revised twice but it must be recited in church events, masses, etc. until Pope Francis says to stop it. For many, the Oratio has become part of their lives.

My wife and I went to San Pablo Church on March 6, Sunday for the 6:00AM mass. I thought it would be the same weary, miserable atmosphere, silent and helpless looking, small crowd. But my feelings changed, when after the bells rang, three altar boys marched out of the Sacristy followed by the celebrant priest. This was the first mass I attended with altar boys since February 2020. I choked, kahilakon gyud ko; mixed feelings of joy, relief, surprise, overwhelmed me. Turning around I saw that the church was full even with the one seat vacant distancing. For the first time I saw children, babies with their parents.

After mass, I noticed that the church goers were more relaxed; there was laughter, everything seemed light, bright and gay. The car radio seemed to be playing Louis Armstrong’s “What a wonderful world” and James Brown’s “I feel good”. Salamat Ginoo, sa imong kaayo. Hinaut ipadayon nato ang pag-ampo sa Oratio Imperata.