Hello, lovely Hivers!
It's Sunday and we attended the 3rd Mass, which is at 5 PM. Because of the calamities that have happened , there are many changes around. I couldn't help but miss the church when it was still in order and we were able to get inside. For now, the priest is holding Mass outside since the church has sustained significant damage. However, it is a relief that many people are still attending and continue serving and having faith in Almighty God.
As soon as we arrived, we saw tents behind the road leading to the church. These tents now serve as homes for people until the surroundings and their own homes are in good condition again. We also saw some of the damage to the houses beside the roads we passed – it was really heartbreaking.
This is the new spot where Mass will be held until the church is repaired. It's right beside the church, and only chairs were brought out for the mass attendees. However, not everyone was able to sit since there were only a few chairs , so some of us had to stand. Even though the church isn't ready yet , people can still gather here to pray together and feel a sense of routine.
After Mass, I asked my cousin to take a picture of me with the church in the background. I wanted to get closer , but there were boundaries, so we couldn't take a picture inside. Seeing the condition of the church was heartbreaking and emotional for me. I really miss attending Mass inside; so many memories were made there. I remember when I wanted to attend the second Mass , I would go to church early to get a seat because it was always so crowded.
It's really sad because it had just been renovated, but the earthquake damaged it. However, even though it's not possible to go inside for Mass , God has truly made a way for the services to continue. We can really see and feel how good He is for letting us survive the earthquake. Even though each one of us is facing different situations , He still guides us every day. And that's already a big blessing that we've received from Him and we must still be grateful for it.