A New Year of Gratitude
Gratitude is the one word that fully embraces the essence of the New Year, and a virtue that breaks all boundaries in a call of unity for the celebration.
In a Filipino household, manifesting gratitude for the blessings for the past and the coming year by attending the New Year's Eve mass is a tradition by the books. It is when everyone comes in the huge wooden doors of the crowded church with matching-colored shirts, an umbrella (in case it rains), angry stomachs, yet happy smiles on their faces ready to accept the new year with helpful insights and hopeful resolutions.
Jelyn Alvea, along with her two children, are one of those who greeted us with a genuine smile as we asked about the purpose of her family's attending mass as part of their celebration for the start of another year.
According to Jelyn, going to the New Year's Eve mass has been their long yearly tradition. For them, it is to give thanks to the Lord for guiding them throughout the year that passed and for Him to continue His blessings for the coming year ahead of them.
And so may the year 2019 be one full of positivity and endless thanks. Happy new year, kadapig!