THE Christmas tradition of celebrating Simbang Gabi or Dawn Mass begins today, Dec. 16.
Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula said Simbang Gabi is a profound expression of faith and a time to “await in joyful hope the celebration of the Nativity of the Lord Jesus.”
He added that the nine days of dawn Masses are also an opportunity for spiritual renewal and strengthening relationships with God and the community.
“Let us encourage our parishioners to pray together as families so that the seasons of Advent and Christmas will be occasioned by meaningful encounters with the Lord,” the cardinal said.
He said evening Masses will begin as early as 7 p.m. and dawn Masses as early as 4:30 a.m.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has left it to parishes to determine the number of evening or dawn Masses they would hold in a day.
The CBCP also reminded churchgoers, particularly the youth, that Simbang Gabi is for worship, not for anything else, like courtship and other non-related activities.
The Archdiocese of Manila has released a circular containing the guidelines for the diocese’s dawn Masses.
The archdiocese encompasses the cities of Manila, Makati, San Juan, Mandaluyong, Pasay, Taguig (Embo barangay) and Quezon City (EDSA Shrine).
Its cathedral is the Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, also known as the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros.
The circular stressed that Masses held outside traditional parish venues, such as chapels or workplaces, require permission from the archbishop to preserve the solemnity of the celebration.
“Our Archdiocesan policy provides that if Simbang Gabi Masses are to be celebrated in chapels, offices, or places other than the parish church, shrine, or chaplaincy, explicit permission from the Archbishop of Manila has to be sought,” the circular stated.
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