Baclaran.

It was drizzling when my parents dropped me off the LRT station over at United Nations Avenue. They were on their way to the U.S. Embassy to renew Papa’s visa – and I went along for the ride from the house.

The digital clock on the platform read 5:58AM when I found a spot to wait for the oncoming train going to Baclaran. The place was still deserted – with only a handful of people waiting for the train. The air was damp and musky – and I breathed it all in. It felt good.

I got myself a Novena booklet before heading inside the church. I can’t believe how many people there are there – so early in the morning – to pray for their devotions to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. 

There was an ongoing mass when I came in, and I decided to say the Novena myself. And I found a small spot, amidst the sea of faithful Catholics. 

I don’t know if other people notice it. But, the energy reverberating inside the church was a bit overwhelming. After I prayed the Novena, I headed straight to the altar to say a short prayer and to take a picture of the Holy mother… After which, I wandered outside and looked around. The energy was also eminating outside.

I was looking for the candle lighting area, when I went inside the church again and found myself by the Confessional. Right then I decided to line up. An old man with a cane was behind me and an old lady carrying a rosary was in front of me. I looked at the other people in queue. And I realized – I was the youngest in the line. And I’m already 33.

It was 7:00AM when I headed back home. Saying a prayer and confession was a nice way to start that day. I’m definitely coming back next Wednesday again, rain or shine.