Claire Hernandez posted: " More than a month ago, I was in Binondo Church. Weeping. It was the first time I had cried that hard inside a church. I was riddled with so much anxiety and worry about things that happened that week and things that are not in my control. Without " Claire's Essays
More than a month ago, I was in Binondo Church. Weeping. It was the first time I had cried that hard inside a church. I was riddled with so much anxiety and worry about things that happened that week and things that are not in my control.
Without knowing my troubles, my two friends, who were with me and were the ones who actually wanted to stop by Binondo Church before we eat, hugged me.
As we were departing the church, one of my friends asked me right at the church entrance, "Claire, first time mo lang ba dito? (Is it your first time here?)"
I nodded and said yes.
"Kumatok ka ng tatlong beses sa pinto, (Knock on the door three times.)" he said and I did. "Then, make a wish."
I remember wishing for peace. Peace in those times as it was heavy.
"Ganyan palagi kong ginagawa tuwing may pinupuntahan akong bagong church. (That is what I always do whenever I go to a new church.)" he shared.
His partner, who was with us, asked, "Sino nagturo sa'yo niyan? (Who taught you that?)"
"Wala. Ginagawa ko lang siya. (No one. I just do it.)"
It's a practice that has no cultural or scientific basis but I did it because it was harmless and in that time when I was barely keeping up, it provided hope.
I remembered all of this as I was scrolling my gallery last night and I saw the picture of Binondo Church that I took that day.
During that day, I was in a dark place, my friends—even without knowing what I was going through—provided hope and compassion precisely when I needed it the most, and Binondo Church became a place of healing.
Presently, I'm still riddled with obstacles but I am in a much better state. Times are still tough and most especially in the coming weeks as new adventures will start. The difference between now and last month is that I feel at peace now within difficulties and I have to thank my friends who showed me compassion and empathy.
On a side note, I am not even a Roman Catholic. Binondo Church is a Roman Catholic church. However, from my architecture studies, I conclude that churches, regardless of the religion it was built for, are a place for people in need whether it be for basic needs (like food, water, shelter) or spiritually. A church is not just a building in itself. Ideally, it's the kingdom of God (or whoever god the church worships) on Earth and such, it should be a place where people may seek solace, and peace, and feel that whomever they worship is there and has never left them.
On that day, through my friends, I felt hope that things will get better. And thankfully, it did.
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