TUCKED in the heart of Molo, Iloilo City, the Asilo De Molo Home for the Aged is a sanctuary for the elderly. Managed by compassionate nuns, this institution provides a safe haven for the abandoned and the forgotten.
For the elderlies who reside here, Christmas is a time of reflection, joy, and thanksgiving — a celebration steeped in the traditions they cherish and the love they share with their newfound family.
At 80, Lola Fres has weathered life’s storms with grace and gratitude.
“For me, Christmas is a time for everyone to find joy. Why? Because we are thankful for the birth of our Savior. He is our Redeemer, our Helper, someone we can call on in times of trouble,” she shared with tears in her eyes.
Reflecting on her past, she spoke of her active participation in church activities back in Jaro district.
“During Christmas, we would give thanks for God’s guidance. Our committee made it a point to donate something to the church through our collection,” she reminisced.
Now, having spent a year in Asilo, Lola Fres views her stay as a blessing.
“Though I was not a welfare case, they took me in. God is good! I was alone after my brother passed away, and my home became unsafe. Here, I have friends and a place I can call home. It is the best gift God has given me.”
Her advice to the youth? “Christmas should not only revolve around parties. Let us give thanks to God and look forward to more Christmases we can share.”
As Lola Fres aptly puts it, “This place and these people are the greatest gifts I’ve received. We celebrate Christmas here with simplicity but with hearts full of joy.”
For Lola Norma, 78, Christmas evokes a sense of joy and nostalgia.
“When I was young, Christmas was so lively. We danced at village gatherings, sneaked out with our clothes for the night, and enjoyed beers with cousins,” she chuckled.
Despite being new to Asilo, she eagerly anticipates this year’s celebrations: “I want to enjoy Christmas here. It’s a different chapter, and I’m happy to be part of it.”
Her message to today’s youth is clear: “Have fun, dance, and make merry, but always remember to carry respect and gratitude in your hearts.”
Her Christmas wish? “Good health for myself and my family, and if anyone brings me a gift, I will be deeply thankful.”
Lolo Clemente, 66, finds Christmas to be a time for joy and reconnecting with the essence of the season.
“It’s a chance to celebrate and greet Jesus Christ,” he said with a smile.
Recalling his younger days, he shared how he and his friends celebrated without firecrackers.
“They were dangerous and expensive, so we used the money for food instead,” he chuckled.
He emphasized the lessons he carries to this day: “Respect your parents. Our way of life was different; we prayed and returned home early. Nowadays, that discipline seems to be fading.”
His message to the youth? “Enjoy Christmas, but don’t overdo it. Always remember there are limits.”
At 87, Lola Angeles treasures Christmas as a time of love and gratitude.
“It’s about showing love and giving thanks,” she expressed.
Her fondest memories are of family gatherings, sharing meals, and attending Mass together. Now, at Asilo, she cherishes the companionship of fellow residents and the sisters who care for them.
Her wish is simple yet profound: “Good health for everyone and a loving spirit for us all.”
For the elderlies at Asilo De Molo, Christmas is filled with activities that bring them closer to each other and to their faith. From Misa de Aguinaldo to exchanging gifts and sharing meals, the season becomes a celebration of life, faith, and resilience.
While they each carry unique stories of hardship and triumph, they share a common gratitude for the love and care they have found at Asilo.
Here, Christmas is more than just a holiday — it’s a heartfelt celebration of faith, love, and togetherness. Amid the laughter, prayers, and shared stories, the elderlies remind us that the true spirit of Christmas lies not in grand festivities, but in the warmth of companionship and the joy of giving thanks.
Under the care of devoted nuns, the season shines brightest, proving that no one is ever too old to feel the magic of Christmas./PN
