Submitted by Sr Paola fcJ, from the Manila community. Paola’s ministry is at the the FCJ Learning and Development Center, Bagong Silangan, Metro Manila
What a joy it was to be able to have our Christmas celebration (Paskomunidad) in the FCJ Learning and Development Center face to face again after the years of pandemic when such gatherings were not possible! Nearly 350 people from the different communities where we work came to the covered court to celebrate Christmas together. First there was the enactment of the Christmas story by the children. Mary, Joseph, the kings, angels and shepherds walk around the covered court while the Gospel narrative was read and then went to the stage where they laid the baby in the crib. After this was a program of presentations of songs and dance from each of the areas where we work as well as some games that generated much laughter.
The raffle (each person present has a number and there is no payment for tickets) is always a very much anticipated part of the program. This year we were very fortunate to have many lovely soft toys thanks to a very generous donor. In addition, there were many grocery packs and bags of rice which were most welcome at this time of economic hardship.
Nearly 350 people from the different communities where we work came to the covered court to celebrate Christmas together.
Everyone enjoyed the celebration and we had a lot of fun. Two years without being able to gather made us all appreciate more than ever the simple joy of being together. May the New Year bring blessings of peace and hope to all.
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