No no..I didn't convert. It's just that I like visiting other places of worship. Not to sound smug, it kind of strengthens my own belief in my own religion. That's Islam, by the way. I dont want to comment on other religions without knowing what they believe in, without making comparisons and without trying to be emphathetic. Plus, isn't that the meaning of Christmas? Rather than you go ho ho ho-ing at some parties and getting yourself smashed, isn't it the motive to be near God?
Anyway...
I actually planned to go to Jason's Christian church but somehow, Jay told me yesterday that he and Joanne wouldnt be going to church. My first thought was that: "Hmm..maybe they have converted!" but haha, I dont know. I was fine with the thought of staying at home (it's not my holy day anyway) when I suddenly remembered that A-Go-Go, a close colleague of mine, did not manage to go home to the Philippines and would be spending her Christmas alone in Singapore. JLo, her roommate and also a colleague, had gone back and so...yeah, alone.
I texted A-Go-Go yesterday that if she needed some company to attend mass, I could be her date. I like to attend such things anyway and since there'll be
We met at 2045hrs at Novena MRT. Initially I thought it was an early meet-up considering the mass started at 2230hrs, but when we got to the church, the pews were almost fully filled up. We managed to get a seat somewhere at the back and by 2145hrs, people had already taken up all the seats outside under the huge tent. So yeah, I apologised to those Catholics who had to stand outside for taking up their space inside the church. Hey...peace and brotherhood, right? Right?
So while waiting for the mass, the choir sang (they were on the upper deck and I couldnt see them...like voices from above, literally!), we joined the carolling and then at 2200hrs, the church put up a Nativity play.
Though it was not supposed to be, I thought it was hilarious. Seeing Chinese Mary, Joseph, shepherds and the wise men were funny. Hearing them breaking out into songs were funnier. One of the wise men even looked like a drunken hippie...hilarious!
That sure broke the seriousness of a Catholic mass. Then, the choir started to sing Holy Night ...
...and soon a video of a procession was broadcast on all the screens placed around the church. It was the procession to mark the start of the mass.
The priests entered the church. The actors from the play were also behind them. They then walked to the "manger" which was beside the church to place the fake, plastic baby Jesus. Then the priests and altar boys finally made their way into the main hall and up the stage, to the altar. Then the whole praying starting.
I didnt just listen stupidly, okay. I actually processed a lot of things in my mind...filtering the information and like I said earlier, making comparisons. Some words I took, some..well..I returned it back to the altar or volleyed to the people around me. I know my religion...so..yeah.
We left after the passing of the holy communion, which was at 2345hrs, as we wanted to avoid the stampede which would happen slightly after midnight. We walked all the way to Newton Circus after that.
So that's my first Catholic Christmas mass. And mentioning Christmas, the Mass Comm-Hospitality-Psychology departments (and ET, an honorary participant from Biz dept) had 2 get-togethers recently. On the 20th, we bused to the nearby Fatboy's burger bar.
That's the portobello mushroom burger I had and...hah, the mass comm dept.
Then last Thursday (23rd), we had our Mass Comm-Hospitality potluck with 2 guests (1 from Psychology and 1 from Biz). It was just done in our staff room.
Somebody brought rice, bread, crackers, veggies, Old Chang Kee puffs...
...somebody brought chicken curry..
...somebody brought a log cake.
Asimov bought green tea/sprite and a bottle of red wine. They drank it, including Abercrombie, who had a class after lunch. Expected, she said she was smiling and slurring in class. It's hilarious because it's Christmas. Okay fine..teachers shouldnt be drinking before class but ... okay it was just a bit and there was a little lunch-do.
Not sure how strong cheap red wine could be but yeah...it was hilarious when Asimov had an Inception-moment after a trip to the loo. On the way back to the office, he, who also drank the wine, said he felt like the walls and floor were moving and falling on him.
Crazy people.
Lucky I didnt drink.
So yeah...I have ranted enough. Here's wishing my Christian/Catholic/what-have-you friends a very Merry Christmas.
Be blessed and stay that way.
Don't drink and drive.
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