Attended the first day of Misa de Gallo, planning to complete but;

As Catholics, we've been celebrating Christmas starting December 16 by attending the Misa de Gallo. Though I could no longer remember the last time I attended. Back when I was a kid, we would wake up early in the morning and walk kilometers to church. Even without a penny to buy snacks, we are already happy to see different lights decorated in every home.

Then, I left our town, tied up with work, and it honestly affected my faith. Not that I was walking in the wrong path, but I seldom visited the church.

However, since I stopped working, staying at home makes my devotion return. Still far from others, but could spend time.

Back to Misa de Gallo, as I mentioned in my previous post, many of our solid devotees are here in the husband's place. That surprised me that instead of mass early in the morning, there would be at seven in the evening. Not only that, we no longer need to go to the church as it will be held in the Chapel. A minute away from home.

I was like, perhaps it's time to complete the mass until Christmas.

To be able to prepare on time, my son Caleb and I ate dinner early. Then, even though it's only six in the evening, I cleaned him, and so do I.

Almost ready and just waiting, we heard an explosion, and Caleb was smart enough to identify it as Fireworks.

Since our home is just ten minutes away from the municipal hall, every time there's an event with a fireworks display? We would watch from our porch or even from our room's window.

Forgive my poor shots; my son was so excited that I needed to make sure to hold him.

After I put on his bonnet and jacket, I went to the chapel.

The mass hasn't started yet, but no vacant seats available outside. I chose not to sit inside because I know my son won't sit still. Other devotees bought their own chairs and chose the spot where they are comfortable.

In our case, my son kept on walking back and forth until we got inside the chapel. One of the church members noticed and ushered us to a vacant seat. The first row.

It was my first time here, and I couldn't help but notice how generous the people in the community were. The chapel might be small, but presentable and complete with all that is needed in case of any occasion.

The holy mass started, and honestly, I started to get tired chasing my son. Until his grandma (wife of my MIL brother) approached him. She was wearing glasses, a bonnet, and a face mask. To my surprise, that scares my son, and he stopped wandering around. He stayed in my arms and eventually fell asleep.

It was okay since he stayed still, but my arms and hips could not stand carrying all his weight 🤣.

It was part of the sacrifice, Lhes., I kept telling myself as motivation until the mass was over.

I thought he would eventually sleep the entire night, but this was him when we arrived at home.

His eyes opened the moment I put him to bed. Not only that, but since he just had a nap, he was full of energy 🤣.

Ten in the evening, and he was still up. Past eleven, when he finally slept, and I was so tired already.

The moment I knew he was off to Wonderland, I fell asleep. Didn't even have the energy to get up for skin care.

Past one in the morning, when I suddenly woke up, mother instinct. Then I remembered I hadn't prepared his feeding bottles and milk in our room. With almost all eyes still closed, I got up.

Also, changed his diaper while feeding him. Good thing he slept well. An hour later, my feet touch something wet on our bed. Only to find out I forgot to throw his used diaper 🤣.

Did I attend the mass the next day?

Unfortunately, I didn't. Why?

• The masses' start times are not fixed due to the hectic schedule of the priest. (suppose 7:30)
• It was so tiring.

But maybe we could make it on the last day of the Mass.

Is there anyone here trying to complete the Misa de gallo?

Lead image was edited using Canva
Photos are mine