Our Covid Holidays

The traditional simbang gabi or midnight masses starts this December 16 in observance of the nine (9) days Novena masses prior to December 25. Among us Christians this is a festive occasion as we welcome the birth of our Lord Jesus. By mandate however of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), the masses will be held starting at 4pm instead of the usual practice of 11pm by reason of the pandemic which our country is still experiencing. Reports we gathered are that during today’s mass in some of the churches in Naga, the churches were filled to capacity hence, it was difficult to observe the social distancing protocol. Thus, Covid 9 experts have expressed the fear that pandemic cases may rise during these holidays, although our health authorities have been issuing warning against mass gathering to prevent the spread of the virus.In the meantime, it has also been reported that transport companies from Metro Manila have been allowed to convey passengers on point to point bases, meaning from points of departure to points of destinations thus prohibiting the picking up of passengers along the way. It is expected that many are bound for their home provinces to spend their Christmas holidays with the members of their families. All these factors may contribute to the spread of the virus during the holidays. It is best that we plan out the season taking these into account and still enjoy the holidays COVID-safe and free. Be that as it may, Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all.

TRIVIA:

Belated birthday greetings to our granddaughter Sam M. Aquino who celebrated her birthday last December 11. She is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Behavioural Sciences at U.P. Manila. She graduated Cum Laude. Greetings also to our friend Joey Vibar, Branch Manager of PS Bank Naga who also celebrated his birthday last December 10. Joey is a member of Ateneo de Naga University high school batch 80.

Likewise, belated birthday greetings to Sir Knight Salvador Cajot who celebrated his birthday last December 11 with a fellowship-dinner at his residence with the officers and members of the Knights of Columbus and Knights of Rizal.

Congratulations to REBAP Naga and Camarines Sur Board of Officers for 2021: Engr. Allan Florin (President)’ Jerwin Rojo (VP External Affairs), Cecile Rivera (VP Internal Affairs), Gerard Gallenito (VP MIS), Luningning Carrios (VP Finance), Vercille Mona Vinculado (Secretary), Desiree Bentor (Treasurer), Nora Sergio (Auditor), Cristy Palma (PRO).

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:

“NEVER IN THE FIELD OF HUMAN CONFLICT WAS SO MUCH OWED BY SO MANY TO SO FEW.”

WINSTON CHURCHILL

FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE:

“FOR THE SEEK OF PROFIT MANY SIN, AND THE STRUGGLE FOR WEALTH BLINDS THE EYES.”

SIRACH 27:1