San Rafael Chapel in Castilla, Sorsogon

During the Holy Week in the first week of April 2010 I was invited to celebrate the Mass before the Graduation of San Rafael National High School. I said yes because my schedule is free and also because the one who invited me was Ate Thelma their principal who is also an active member of Cofradia de San Jeronimo and the Alliance of Two Hearts.

When I arrived in the appointed time the students were not yet around so I got the opportunity to take these pictures. The Chapel is very simple but beautiful showing the people's effort to give the best for the Lord despite their poverty and economic difficulty.

The sacred images then are covered with purple cloth as traditionally done during Holy Week. But the chapel is still very nice with good ventilation for air passage and also with more than enough provision for sunlight to illumine the interior. I personally don't like dark churches and chapels. I always prefer those who glow with natural light.

At the left side of the Chapel there is the Barangay Hall and in front of which there is a Basketball court. The Chapel boasts of a Tube from a missile used during World War II for its bell. I tried it and it sounds very well and quite loud also. It is hanging at the side of the Chapel near the Banana Trees as shown in the photos below.

Since the venue of the Mass is a Barangay Chapel I inquired if they already have materials need for the Mass. I was given a positive response. Then when I arrived there was no Chalice, no Bread and Wine to be consecrated, no patten, gruets, etc. In order for the Mass to push through we went to the nearby Parish, Our Lady of the Rosary, of Fr. Joel Teruel our good friend and borrowed things.

We came back about 30 minutes later with the students already complete and ready for the Mass. And we were fortunate to have with us two very young Seminarians of Our Lady of Peñafrancia Seminary. The two good-hearted seminarians were staying in that parish for their summer apostolate and when they learned that there is no Altar Boys to help me in the Mass they volunteered to help and accompany me.

The Mass went well with the Principal herself, Tita Thelma, serving as Commentator. The two seminarians not only served as Acolytes but also as Choir leaders, to the delight of the Graduating Students who attended the Mass dressed in white Toga. It was a beautiful experience. Every celebration of the Holy Mass in the simple barrios and chapels is always an event to remember. The presence of the Lord is truly tangible in the faith of the simple.