Palma to officiate dawn masses in far-flung parishes

CEBU, Philippines — The Archdiocese of Cebu will kick off this year’s nine-day Misa de Gallo at the Carbon Public Market in Cebu City before officiating masses in some of Cebu’s far-flung parishes.

Archbishop Jose Palma is expected to officiate the Mass at the market 4 a.m. of December 16.

Aside from Carbon, Palma will also be leading the Misa de Gallo at the Cebu Archdiocesan Shrine of San Pedro Calungsod on December 17, 4:30 a.m.; San Pedro Calungsod Parish Pulangbato on December 18; Santa Monica Parish, Cawayan, Dalaguete on December 21; Manlapay, Dalaguete on December 22; St. Joseph Parish, Sangi, Alegria, December 23; and at CCTN Channel 47 station, December 24.

At 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve, December 24, he will then officiate the Mass at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.

Palma reminded the Catholic flock of the significance of the Misa de Gallo tradition, which involves families attending the Holy Eucharist at dawn for nine days leading to Christmas Day.

He hopes that Catholics will see it as an opportunity for everyone to reflect on their lives, and to be reminded of the humility of Jesus Christ as depicted in his birth in a manger.

Palma also expressed hope that the season would allow Catholics to consider the occasion as a way of converting from their old, sinful ways.

The spirit of Christmas, the prelate said, is to accept Jesus Christ in each and everyone’s hearts. JMD