Kalibo Bishop Jose Corazon Tala-oc is encouraging the faithful to observe the nine-day “Simbang Gabi” (Misa De Aguinaldo) which begins Thursday, Dec. 16.
The Church leader cited the importance of the observance in the faithful’s spiritual preparation for the birth of Christ.
“The Aguinaldo or ‘Simbang Gabi’ masses this year can be celebrated in all parish churches and chapels. However, health protocols must be strictly observed and proper coordination must be facilitated with the respective LGUs and other concerned agencies,” Tala-oc said over Radio Veritas.
The prelate said the nine-day novenario is in honor of the Blessed Mother. He encouraged those who are planning to observe the “Simbang Gabi” from Dec. 16 to 24 to attend the dawn masses.
“Only these holy masses are in keeping with the legitimate tradition of the Filipino people. Thus, the Misa de Aguinaldo held at dawn is the only practice to be encouraged and promoted for the same given reason, that is, for the perseverance of faith,” stressed Tala-oc.
The bishop said the anticipated masses held from Dec.15 to 23 are allowed by the diocese if these have “genuine pastoral reason,” but are not being promoted.
“Simbang Gabi Masses held in the evening should never be an easy substitute for anyone’s convenience,” he said.
Tala-oc likewise reminded dioceses to coordinate with their LGUs the holding of the masses to ensure the safety of the mass goers.
“We encourage the parish priests and Parish Team Ministry Moderators to coordinate with their LGUs with regard to the schedule of the ‘Simbang Gabi’ masses in their respective parishes. Different venues which facilitate social distancing, like public plazas, covered court and the likes, may be utilized to provide extra security and safety for everybody,” he said.
As in the past years, devout Catholics are expected to attend Thursday— the first of the nine-day “Simbang Gabi” dawn masses, which will be held at dawn in all Catholic churches across the country and in many parts of the world where many Filipino communities observe the age-old tradition.
Considered as one of the oldest but well observed Christmas traditions in the Philippines, church bells will peal before the break of dawn for the duration of the ‘Simbang Gabi’ which are held at 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. with the final mass, the Misa de Gallo (rooster’s mass) on Dec. 24, Christmas Eve.
Also known as Misa de Aguinaldo (gift mass), churchgoers offer the gift of sacrifice in waking up before the break of dawn for nine consecutive days to attend the dawn masses for different intentions: in thanksgiving, as a form of worship, or for a petition. Others, in traditional Filipino belief, attend to obtain special graces upon completing the nine-day masses.
The ‘Simbang Gabi’ is an old tradition with deep roots in the country’s religious culture, dating back to 1565 when Spanish “conquistador” Miguel Lopez de Legazpi celebrated the first Feast of the Nativity.
The practice originated in Mexico when in 1587, Fray Diego de Soria, prior to the Convent of San Agustin Acolman, asked permission from the Holy Father to hold Christmas masses for the farmers who woke up very early to work.
During the 16th century, Pope Sixtus V decreed that the dawn masses should also be held in the Philippines every 16th of December. At that time, it gave the farmers a chance to hear mass before working in the fields.