Though it's at the opposite end of the Metro Manila map from where we are to be wed, it was probably the only one out that that 1) had a good name and 2) was open on Saturdays. Winy was in town for only a couple of days and after securing our marriage license from the Pasay City Hall and going through the Canonical Interview at the Mt. Carmel Parish in Quezon City, the seminar was the 3rd piece to the paperwork puzzle we needed to accomplish before Winy flew out of the country to go back to work again (the 4th being the Banns Publication).
Okay, so we arrived at around 7:30 a.m. early enough to hear the first English mass of the day. Winy went inside to pray while I opted to put in some extra sleep in the car because it was going to be a hellaciously long day for us (Pre cana in the morning at San Agustin, final food tasting and contract signing at Center Table in the afternoon in Paranaque and lastly, a long drive to Calumpit, Bulacan).
A few minutes later the mass ended (guess it started around 6:30 or 7, kudos to those who were there) and Winy was knocking on the car window. There was another couple looking confused and asking the guard on duty so Winy decided to ask them if they were also there for the seminar. They were having a conversation in front of the car so, though sleepy, I got my ass off my seat and exchanged pleasantries with the couple whose names I cannot recall.
Since the seminar (or the Parish Office) wouldn't open until 8:30 a.m. Winy wanted to have breakfast at McDonald's. Guess she frequented it a lot back when she was still with Manila Bulletin because my bride was on "I need to eat. Now." mode and was telling me which corner/street to drive into.
She had a lot, while I opted for hot chocolate. Once we arrived back at the church there were more cars now and the office was open. I really didn't feel the need to eat in fear of my weak stomach so I just told Winy to hold on to the food.
Inside there were a lot of couples seated and some inside this glass-windowed office with about four or five desks with elderly men and women smiling at one another. Guess this was the Registration part of the seminar. When it was our turn, I gave my McD's breakfast of hot chocolate and hashbrown to the old lady.
Okay, on to the seminar.
We were asked to proceed inside some sort of classroom that had two huge statues by each side of the white board. The Virgin Mary on the left, and I don't know which Virgin was on the right. We waited for everyone else to walk into the room before our teacher, Teacher Flo I think, I'm not really sure with her name but she was very engaging and entertaining.
Since we started late, out teacher was obviously rushing. We went over the following in a scatter-brained order:
I. Catechism (7 sacraments/ initiation)
1. Baptism
2. Confirmation
3. Holy Eucharist/ Communion (Sacrament of Healing)
4. Confession/ Reconciliation
5. Anointing of the Sick (Commitment/ Vocation)
6. Marriage/ Matrimony
7. Holy Order
II. 3 Missions after Baptism
1. Priestly
2. Prophetic
3. Kingly
III. 7 Gifts of Confirmation
IV. 2 Parts of the Mass
1. Liturgy of the Word
2. Liturgy of the Eucharist
V. Reconciliation for Catholics
VI. Virtues of Marriage
1. Chastity
2. Poverty
3. Obedience
Can't say that I listened to all of the above; quite surprised that I even took down notes for it. But everyone who was there really wanted to learn and listen to what the teacher had to say. She's been married for over 20 years now, had a very trying time early because her husband had many vices, but they're still together and enjoying their retirement so to speak which is something I could only dream of right now with Winy.
We took a short break at around 10:30 a.m.; the kind people of San Agustin Church prepared light snacks of ham and cheese sandwiches and iced tea for everyone. I finally ate but only after receiving affirmation that the parish had working toilets. Winy was eating again-- a happy, healthy bride is always a good one rather than dealing with a figure-conscious train wreck.
Back to the seminar and our teach explained how hard it is at times as a married couple because you only have each other to rely on. That there will be times, specially for women, that they'll have to swallow their pride and just give their husbands a pass. There's also sex. Men want sex everyday. Women will just have to be creative with their excuses and alibis but while also knowing when to give in.
We were done by 12 p.m. and received our certificates right away. The groom-to-be of the couple we spoke with earlier led the closing player and his bride couldn't have looked any prouder. Winy was probably wondering why I didn't volunteer. Or maybe I'm just over thinking things. I'm good with speeches, can't say the same with prayers.
San Agustin Church gave us a booklet to read and a bunch of papers on the pros and cons of the RH Bill. Haven't read 'em but will get to that soon.
:)
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