Fr. Rey Rosal, San Vicente parish priest, expects more Catholics joining the masses today.
Starting on Dec. 16, politicians, government officials and prominent businesspersons were among the devotees who attended the masses that usually started at 5 a.m., Rosal said.
Portions of the public roads were turned into temporary parking areas because the church’s parking space could no longer accommodate all vehicles, he said.
After each of the dawn Mass, churchgoers were served with light snacks and refreshments supplied by the church and island’s faithful.
Rosal attributed the “great attendance” to the present economic downturn.
“When a person is facing hard times that’s when he comes closer to God,” he said. “Christians will always come to Him during difficult times.”
In his homily today, Rosal said he will continue to ask the Catholic faithful to continue to trust in God.
“Even if we are in the midst of an economic depression we have to be joyful always, especially during Christmas season, because God will never forsake,” he said.
Rosal is also urging the faithful to express their faith through action so that good work will always prevail in the daily lives of the people.
Tonight at the San Vicente Church, masses will be held at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.
On Christmas Day, the Mass starts at 8 a.m.
For its annual gift-giving program, the church is preparing assorted goods for 200 children tonight, Rosal said.
