Iwas under the weather, so unfortunately, Francis and I were not able to attend Veronica’s birthday party. Following was supposed to be my message. “Hi Veronica. Years ago, you had Via Times advertisers who were selling properties in Florida, and you said to me, ‘Lourdes, buy a lot in Florida, so we can be neighbors when we retire.’ I looked at you and responded, ‘Are you kidding me? If we do, all we will be talking about will be when we are going to the doctor for our aches and pains, or when are we going to play bingo. You know what I am going to do is to buy a condominium on Rush Street, and in the evenings, put on all my cheap trinkets, walk down Rush Street, and might get lucky.’ Listening was Rosemary Mittenthal and said, count me in. It would have been so funny, if it happened. Anyway, Happy Birthday, Veronica. You are included in my prayers everyday. Holy Mass at Philippine Week My husband was confronted by the Philippine Independence Week Committee (PIWC) chairman of the religious committee, complaining that there isn’t going to be a Mass during the picnic. I guess the reason for her to complain to my husband, who had nothing to do with the decision was because I was the one who discouraged it at one of the meetings which was approved by the entire body. Why she did not approach me directly is crazy. Mass is not just an activity to be included. At that meeting, I mentioned that during my chairmanship, there was no mass at the park for the following reasons. Holy Mass is a sacred celebration and should be observed with reverence and devotion, and, therefore, go to their respective churches to celebrate it. My reasons are clear and simple. Years ago, at one of the previous PIWC Masses, while mass was going one, there was a group of members playing Mahjong. I remember one of them was a guy, that up to now, I could still picture in my mind, the scenario. Unfortunately, he is now deceased. Other times, as late as last year, attendees were physically there but not minding the mass. Next to me were two women concentrated on giggling and conversing. Matter of fact, I was bothered, that I gave them a look as I moved away from them. They ignored the hint and kept conversing. I mentioned this to the Chair, and she said that she will do something about it. It is hard to control the behavior of people at a picnic. They are there to have fun and enjoy the food and each other’s company. Some are not paying attention to the mass. Funny as it may seem, at the end of the mass, the priest celebrant kept repeating he likes the smell of the lechon, probably hinting that he should be given some to take home, since he was leaving right after mass. For sure, he deserved it, and I hope he was taken care of. The Catholic Mass is the principal act of worship in the Catholic Church. The primary goal is to hear God’s word and partake in the Holy Eucharist (Holy Communion). It is both a community prayer of thanksgiving and a spiritual gathering; through the priest, Jesus Christ offers his Body and Blood in the Eucharist. Therefore, it is attended with reverence. My belief is that mass is celebrated in church and nowhere else. It is not for show or just another activity of the entire PIWC program. There was another reason; and that is not all members of PIWC are Catholics and we should recognize that. I am sure that they are just as religious as the Catholics but don’t impose their beliefs on others. I know of at least one officer who religiously goes to her church before coming to our PIWC meetings when scheduled on Sunday. I respect that, quietly practicing her religion and not imposing on others. I don’t consider myself a religious person, however, in the morning upon waking up, I thank God for the night. In the evening before bedtime, I thank God for all the blessings He bestows upon me and my family. God Bless Us! Finally, as an added information, for all intents and purposes, why do we call our celebration PIWC (Philippine Independence Week Committee)? The fact of the matter is, we celebrate Philippine Independence for two or three weeks, and far ahead, the kick-off. Shouldn’t it be changed to Philippine Independence Month Celebration (PIMC) instead? Also, this year is the 50th Anniversary Celebration of PIWC, not the 51st.