Simbang Gabi, a Filipino Christmas tradition, is one of the longest and most popular among the traditions in the Philippines. It is when Roman Catholic churches across the nation open their doors shortly before the break of dawn to welcome the faithful to the Simbang Gabi mass.
“Simbang Gabi or Mass at Dawn is a nine-day novena to the Blessed Mother. The novena begins December 16 as early as 4 in the morning and culminates with the “Misa de Aguinaldo” (‘Mass of the Gift’) on Christmas Eve to welcome the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ.
In North America, the Filipino communities have adopted some changes, celebrating the novena in the evenings, starting from December 15 in order to complete the nine-day novena.
“Simbang Gabi traces its roots in Mexico when, in 1587, the Pope granted the petition of Fray Diego de Soria, prior of the convent of San Agustin Acolman, to hold Christmas mass outdoors because the Church could not accommodate the huge number of people attending the evening mass.”
In the olden days, ‘the pre-dawn mass is announced by the ringing of the church bells. In some rural areas, an hour before the start of Simbang Gabi, a brass band plays Christmas music all over the town. It is believed that parish priests would go far knocking on doors to wake and gather the faithful to attend the Misa de Gallo (mass of the rooster or midnight mass)’. Farmers as well as fishermen wake up at dawn to the crowing of the roosters to hear the Gospel before going to their work and ask for the grace of good harvest and catch.
Below is a selection of photos from Corpus Christi parish in Edmonton:
Simbang Gabi has become one of the most revered traditions in the Philippines. ‘It is a significant moment not only because it strengthens relationships among family members but also because it is the time where our faith is intensified.
This is the time where Catholics mostly feel the presence of the Lord because it is the spiritual preparation for Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ.
It does not matter if one has the stamina to complete the novena or not, what really matters is what is inside the heart. The blessing does not depend on the number of mass attended, but what is important is the disposition of the person who receives the Lord’s blessing’ by renewing special devotion to the Blessed Mother and keeping “Christ in Christmas.”
– Prepared by Deacon Gem Mella with extracts taken from the RC Archdiocese of Manila, Philippines.
Archbishop Smith also celebrated at St. Theresa’s parish, and there are more Simbang Gabi events at parishes across the Archdiocese:
