By: Jing and Suzette Custodio
The Family and Life Ministry (FLM) aims to promote families who uphold the Christian virtues of faith, hope, and love. More so, we intend to feature those who hold the value of family in high regard. This article does just that. FLM proudly welcomes the Avila family Sa Aming Tahanan.
Featured family: Avila Family
Many articles have been written about the Simbang Gabi. How it is a tradition that has originated in the Philippines during the Spanish era. Most try to complete the 9-day novena Mass as a prayerful plea for some personal intention. The Family and Life Ministry, on the other hand, would like to have a different take on this annual Filipino tradition which begins on the 16th of December and ends on the eve of Christmas Day. We wondered if we can still find a family that finds meaning into this age-old celebration.
As we look around, there would be married couples, grandmothers with an “apo” or two in tow, group of friends aplenty. But a family? In the new scheme of things, waking up in the wee hours of the early morning for nine consecutive days seem such a far-fetched idea. But we sure were proven wrong.
Meet Jun and Ann Avila and their children Rvy, Bruce, Kara and Nyxie. It is not difficult to spot them amongst a crowd of churchgoers. Aside from the delight to see them complete with parents, children from ages 2 to 16 and even a grandmother seated in a row, one will be drawn to them as they don coordinated outfits with a dominating color. This morning they were all in a shade of orange/peach.
What is the reason for their matching colored clothes? Mom Ann simply stated. “Mas madali at mas mabilis para sa amin isipin kung ano isusuot namin. Hanggang naging tradisyon na naming lalu na pag sisimba kami. Madalas angkop sa kulay ng suot namin ang feast day ng isang santo ng araw na iyon or kung anong event sa simbahan. ” (It is easier and quicker for us to think what to wear. This then became a tradition especially when we go to church. We usually match the color of what we are to wear with the feast day of a saint on that day or whatever event is at church). All Ann has to do is determine the appropriate color for the day and the children would know what clothes to pick out from their closets which allows them to be out the door in minutes.
When asked if this a customary thing they do every time they attend Mass, almost everyone excitedly answered a resounding “yes!”
Evidently, this is not the only thing they do together. For years now since they moved to Sta. Mesa Heights from Novaliches to be closer to their children’s schools, the family has never missed completing the Simbang Gabi since 2014. Not even with the addition of their youngest who is just 2 years old, the tradition has continued. Sunday masses are a must and this too is a priority every week.
They say that it helps that all the children look forward to attending Mass at dawn and waking them up has never been difficult for them. Mamu, the maternal grandmother, proudly adds that the youngest one participates actively at Mass knowing when to kneel and which songs to sing.
Do they have an intention they pray for? None at all. They just want to celebrate and complete the Simbang Gabi in anticipation of the coming of Christmas, and of course, more importantly, to give thanks for the many blessings they have received throughout the year.
We have visited their home on the last day of the Simbang Gabi as they were getting ready for Mass. This time purple is the color of choice. This will be a special one for them, not only because they will celebrate another year that they have completed the Simbang Gabi, but most importantly, their only son Bruce, who attends high school in an esteemed Science High School in Romblon, is home for the holidays.
As the Simbang Gabi has ended, it is assuring to know that families like the Avilas still prevail despite the many distractions that affect family togetherness nowadays. May their story inspire us to see how the grace of God can bless us with solid family relationships if we put our Lord front and center.
Photo Credits: Jorge Pineda III, Jing Custodio and Avila Family
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