It was one calm Sunday. The new chapel was all set with purple curtains and little Christmas trees in the corners with gifts underneath. Parols in different sizes and colors, made by the residents, seemed like dancing in the air; indeed, it was Christmas time.

One by one, residents came to fill the vacant seats. Everyone dressed their best. Some were wearing purple too. Children ran and giggled while the elderly chat with their neighbors, while waiting for others to arrive. It was their Annual General Assembly.

The program started with a recollection facilitated by Fr. Gerome Pelagio, Parochial Vicar of the Parish of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. Simultaneously, confessions were taken with Fr. Dan Imperial.

A mass was celebrated by Caceres Archbishop Rolando Octavus J. Tria Tirona OCD, D.D. He was pleased to finally visit one of the CHITO communities.

He emphasized the importance of unity in a community; that one must go out, meet his neighbors and build camaraderie.

Concelebrants include Fr. Primitivo Viray S.J., President of Ateneo de Naga University and Vice Chair of CCMF-Bikol Board of Trustees and Fr. Wilmer S. Tria, CCMF-Bikol Chief Executive Officer.

Other concelebrants were Fr. Erwih Blasa, Secretary of the Archbishop; Fr. Clarence Panganiban, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Naga City; Fr. Gerome Pelagio, Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Peñafrancia Parish, Naga City; and Fr. Dan Imperial.

A community lunch, which was prepared and shared by the homeowners themselves, ended the celebration.

To see the residents of Vicente Heights out of the comfort zone of their homes, celebrating the coming of Jesus, together as one community, is a sight to behold. Indeed, it was Christmas time.