It was my first time to visit the church as an adult (and almost a senior citizen at that). Years back when I was a child, my father (may he rest in peace) used to bring us kids to this church that had a black Mary as patron. People say the Virgin's intercession is miraculous, hence, plenty of devotees go there for their intentions.
We got there at around 9PM and I heard the caretaker say, "let's close for now". Luckily, we were still admitted and lo and behold, there was a long queue towards the Virgin image even at that late hour, people silently waiting for their turn to venerate.
After lighting a candle, paying my respects and saying my intentions for my God through the Mother's intercession, we made our way out to the market to catch a ride, where a lot of people were standing in every corner waiting for their ride, too. And it was already around 10PM!
Anyway, the experience was sort of a 'bunot-tinik'; I felt great relief that I was able to revisit the church and expressed my sincerest prayer for the total recovery of my brother back home who's in an unresponsive wakefulness state. May the Lord hear my plea.
'Para akong nabunutan ng tinik sa dibdib'. I felt like a spot in my heart was pierced. Sentimental lang...