Decemebr 16, 2011. This would be my last Dec. 16 in the university I guess and the simbang gabi with co-scholars and friends was a lot fun. Marawi City is an Islamic place and in respect to them a grandiose parish or cathedral couldn't be put up. The Catholics have a chapel in the third street beside the mosque but due to the number of Catholic students in the campus, the chapel can't accommodate all so we always hold Sunday mass at the gym. Now, since it's already the start of Simbang Gabi here in the Philippines, the Catholic students in the university are also observing it. With the four Dec. 16 simbang gabi I've attended here I guess this is the time when the most number of church goers have gathered in one faith.
Despite some conflict between Christian and Muslims, the Catholics were still able to observe Christmas in Marawi City in their own way. Glad that most people in the university are open minded and respectful to each others faith, values and practices. Waking up as early as 3:00 am to get dressed and attend the mass wasn't that too easy. With the very cold weather and sometimes waterlogged streets due to rainy evenings we have to walk together towards the gymnasium at 4:00 am before the mass. Nonetheless, the effort was all worth it. :)
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