Hello, Hive Friends! It's your cupbearer, and I would like to share with you the event that I attended today.
Last December 8, 2024, I received an invitation from my former working scholar, Evy, to be one of the godparents of her son Zach Niño. Evy got married this year, and she delivered her son via cesarean section. I responded yes to her invitation, which was scheduled today.
The baptism was scheduled for 9:00 o'clock in the morning. I went to the church with my daughter Jehoia at 8 am because I presume there would be a short orientation before the ceremony. When we arrived at the office of the parish, the secretary was already there, but she couldn't go inside because it was locked and only the priest could open it. I sent a message to Evy that they needed to come on time because the secretary was looking for them. She replied that they are already coming.
Evy and her husband, Niño, arrived at the church and waited for their friends and relatives who would be attending the ceremony. We also waited for the priest to open the office door so that Evy could write the names of the godparents. When Fr. Cubillo went inside the office, I greeted him, and he responded and asked about the parents of the baby to be baptized. Fr. Cubillo knew me since we have met so many times, especially at Eucharistic celebrations held at our school and at home.
Fr. Cubillo told me that we'll just proceed to the church and we'll wait for him there. As we walked to the church, I greeted Kuya Bruce, who is one of the parish servers. He served as a musician and the caretaker of the Catholic cemetery. He said that he's cleaning up the mess they made last night after their Christmas party. There were trash that some of the servers forgot to bring or throw in the bins. As we got inside the church, I took some photos of the fountain that will be used for the baptism.
I then went to the sacristy to ask Kuya Bruce to turn on the fans inside the church. There I saw the acolytes bringing the image of the baby Jesus, and they are getting ready for the 4th day of pax tecum. I went back inside the church, and after a few minutes, Fr. Cubillo invited us to come near the altar to start the baptism. Baby Zach Niño was baptized and Fr. Cubillo got amused by Xua, the daughter of Evy's former employer. She shouted with great joy after Fr. Cubillo poured the holy water on the head of baby Zach.
After the ceremony, we had the chance to take photos. But as of the moment, I am still waiting for Evy to send the pictures that included me. I told Jehoia that we're going home first to ask my wife if she'll be going with us to Evy's residence. Upon reaching the church convent, Fr. Cubillo called me and asked me to join the lay ministry. Who am I to reject his invitation? I just said that I would be waiting for his instructions.
My wife did not attend the ceremony because she's expecting a visitor today. My wife said that she'll just stay at home and wait for her visitor. Ioseph also wanted to stay at home with his mom. So I just brought Jehoia with me. Evy resided in the next barangay after Daantabogon. Sitio Ilaya, Taba-ao is also celebrating their feast today in honor of Virgen dela Regla.
I took photos of the table set-up, which Evy and Niño prepared with the help of their former employer and a close friend to their family. While Jehoia played with Xua inside Evy's house. I also had a quick conversation with Evy's mom, Ate Eva. When all the foods were ready, they asked me to lead the blessing of the food. We prayed and asked the Lord's blessing, and then had our lunch. I stayed for a while and talked about personal matters with the people present.
Before 1 pm today, I bid goodbye to them, and to my surprise, Evy handed me foods to be brought home. I said I'm shy about bringing the foods outside, but then she insisted. Jehoia and I went home before it rained again. The weather was not stable, and there were scattered rain showers, as reported by the news.
I wish all the best for baby Zach and Evy's family. It was a short event for today. But I will cherish this moment forever as a godparent. This is my 4th time being invited as Ninong. I hope one day I could give them the guidance that their parents could expect from me.
Thank you for reaching this part. See you on my next blog.
Lead image was edited using Canva. Other images are all mine unless stated otherwise.
