Ug ang Kahayag ni Banagbanag sa Brgy Mahayag [And Light Shone on Mahayag]

Fifteen minutes before midnight, I was cruising the newly paved diversion road of Brgy. Donghol on our way to celebrate the first midnight mass in Brgy. Mahayag; an eight kilometer distance uphill climb going to the direction of Lake Danao. Inside the car with me were Fr. Christian, Kap Moncho, Bro. Apang and Tina our BEC staff. The last three kilometers of our travel is an off road experience plowing through the dark muddy and slippery terrains. After the grueling and heart pounding ride, all tensions abated as we reach the chapel where more than half of the church goers were seated outside an overcrowded chapel. The sight of the children rushing towards us to  kiss the hand of the priests melts the heart of two pastors. This will be the first midnight mass to be experienced by the Brgy. Mahayag. Thanks to the dedication of our lay missionary brother Jasper, this once a sleepy and abandoned community has slowly  transformed into a vibrant BEC. The singing of Kasadya ning Taknaa  [visayan version of Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit] reverberated the entire chapel echoing the stillness of the cool mountains of Mahayag. After the Holy Eucharist, the people assembled at the basketball court for the BEC Christmas party. The family groups have brought food to share for everyone. Everybody, the kids, the youth the adults including the elderly enjoyed the party with program, games and raffle draws with prizes. At 3 am, we have to leave since we still have masses the whole day  at the main church. Indeed the entire experience brings in me a deeper dimension of the meaning of Christmas; it is finding and celebrating Jesus, the Word Incarnate in the midst of ordinary people who for long have waited the Lord. ”And the people who lived in darkness have seen a great Light”[Is.9:2]. Indeed true to its name the people of Brgy. Mahayag is experiencing light of Christ. Malipayon ang Pasko.- Fr. Isagani Petilos 12/24/2018