AS the spirit of Christmas arrives with the cool December breeze, so does the nostalgia of youth. During this time, we are reminded of moments when everyone becomes a child once more — the early dawn Masses, the hot salabat (ginger tea) and the steaming bibingka (rice cake), all accompanied by the joyful singing of carols, the cheerful exchanges of gifts, and the loving embrace of family and community. While we fondly remember the solemnity of the Mass itself, what stands out most in our memories are the moments spent after the service on the church patio.
The church patio, a simple open space in front of the church, has long served as the heart of the community, providing a venue for gathering, interaction and celebration. For over three centuries, it has been the physical space where parishioners, especially in rural areas, gathered to discuss matters that could not be handled inside the sacred church or the private convent. However, as urbanization takes hold, many parish priests and urban planners view these patios as idle spaces, more suitable for parking lots or commercial developments than for their original purpose. This transformation marks a loss not only of a physical space but also of an important communal function.
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