The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Monday, Dec. 16, reminded churchgoers of proper conduct during Simbang Gabi.

CBCP Episcopal Commission on Public Affairs Executive Secretary Fr. Jerome Secillano, in an interview with Teleradyo Serbisyo, reminded churchgoers of the things to observe while attending this Filipino Christmas tradition.

Secillano said that churchgoers need to show “undivided attention” when attending Mass.

“Undivided attention is what we need to show because it is the highest form of worship—I'm talking about the Mass. Therefore, undivided attention, active participation, and giving your whole self are what we want during the celebration,” Secillano said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Dos and don’ts

In a bid to maintain the sanctity of the event and ensure a meaningful worship experience, Secillano said churches usually outline a set of dos and don’ts for attendees.

Eating and drinking inside the church, tinkering with mobile phones, and chatting with others, Secillano noted, are some of the things churchgoers should avoid while attending Mass.

This reminder, Secillano said, emphasizes respect, reverence, and community spirit as the faithful gather to celebrate the nine-day novena Masses leading up to Christmas.

“Basically, even when it’s not Simbang Gabi, whenever we attend Mass, we shouldn’t be eating inside the church, drinking, or tinkering with our phones because we want the active and full participation of the people in the Mass,” he explained.

Secillano said that focused and undivided attention is the “proper way to act because we go to church to pray.”

“We don’t go there just to eat or relax with our friends and then start chatting with, for example, the person next to us,” he added.

Secillano, who is the rector at the EDSA Shrine, said that churches issue announcements even before Mass starts.

“We tell them that to have active and full participation and to make our Eucharistic celebration solemn, we are prohibiting the things I mentioned earlier,” he said.

Secillano noted that churches, like the EDSA Shrine, have ushers, greeters, and collectors stationed inside.

“They guide people to their seats and politely approach parents if there are chaotic children,” he said.

Similarly, Secillano said they will politely address individuals they notice eating or drinking coffee or soft drinks and request that they take it outside.

First day

For the 2024 Simbang Gabi, which began on Dec. 16, Secillano said the first day was “orderly and well-attended.”

“That’s how Filipinos are—during the first days, people flock to it because it has become part of the Christmas tradition for many,” he said.

He then expressed hope that the number of attendees would be sustained, as the churches are well-prepared.

“You’ll see beautiful decorations and lights; the churches are truly well-lit,” Secillano said.

He also cited the presence of security personnel and authorities, such as the police, in areas where crowds gather during Simbang Gabi.

Secillano said the Philippine National Police (PNP) took the initiative to deploy personnel in crowded areas to maintain peace and order.

“It’s also important to note that priests are also striving to prepare their homilies because it’s quite challenging to capture people’s attention, especially since these Masses are held at dawn,” he said.

“People’s attention spans are quite short—some are still sleepy or tired—so priests also need to prepare their homilies well,” Secillano added.