We left the house before 6am.
Too early for some but it was a nice drive from our place to the Antipolo Cathedral, the National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. There was no traffic along the way. I’ve missed the cool winds of Antipolo City. It is higher than Metro Manila and the weather is a bit colder. It attracts millions of pilgrims every year.
We had the new car blessed and we attended the 7am mass while waiting in line for the hundreds of cars and motorcycles blessed by the priests and lay ministers. An older seatmate told me that Sunday is usually when people troop to Antipolo to have their new cars blessed, attend masses and pray for special petitions on their scheduled trips outside the country. The church was full despite the hourly mass schedules. There was a big screen at the right side of the church so one can participate in the mass without having to squeeze inside the cathedral.
We bought kasuy, some sweets and suman, a glutinous rice cake wrapped in coconut leaves and cooked in coconut cream. The side streets outside the cathedral teem with vendors selling Filipino delicacies.
On the way back, we traversed Ortigas Avenue Ext. Horrendous traffic on a Sunday at that. It took us close to two hours before reaching our place. I am no longer used encountering the mad rush of cars outside because I seldom go out. Maybe that’s why, several cars every day pass by our subdivision to avoid the heavy traffic at Ortigas Ext. Cainta is Rizal’s gateway to the various cities in Metro Manila.
Gonna come back to the Shrine, one of these days just to hear mass.
What an interesting adventure to read about, Arlene! Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Kitty!
LikeLike
I like the colourful stalls and shops in your photo. They must be interesting to explore.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They are Pete. Sorry for the pics, I changed the resolution from a higher one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No problem, Arlene.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😉
LikeLike
I enjoyed your Sunday morning. Mine was rather humdrum, but John chanted part of our service. The pastor is not musical and would never chant. I sat in the car, sat in the pew, and sat in the car to come home. The scenery was good, since our trees are beginning to have autumn color.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh sorry to hear about that Anne. I am sure you are looking forward to Fall. I did enjoy yesterday. I actually attended two masses and the priests there are all young. Short but relevant homilies 🙂
LikeLike
At my age, a humdrum day is excellent.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
This wonderful old Friar has joined our group. He preached today and it took him a long time to walk back up after Communion to give the final blessing. It gave us this wonderful long silence to soak up our experience.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are still so many old priests who serve but they are of the old school. too long homily and sometimes repetitious. the newly ordained priests are so inspiring to listen to.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like a good trip even with the traffic.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, I did enjoy it 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person