Simbang Gabi ushers in world’s longest Yule celebration

MANILA, Philippines – The Catholic faithful are expected to troop to churches all over the country starting today for the Misa de Gallo or Simbang Gabi, the nine days of pre-dawn masses, usually held from 4 a.m. to 5 a.m.

It is said that the Simbang Gabi is a tradition that started in 1565 when Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi celebrated the first Feast of the Nativity in these islands.

The practice started in Mexico to accommodate farmers and fisherfolk who woke up early to go to work.?Before heading for the farm or sea, they would first hear mass and ask for God’s blessing.

Later, the Simbang Gabi incorporated the festivities of the Christmas season.

For those who cannot attend the pre-dawn masses, there are also the anticipated masses from Dec. 15 to 23 at 8 p.m. or 9 p.m.

God at the center

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines president Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas yesterday encouraged men and women who are in a relationship to attend the Simbang Gabi but reminded them to put God at the center of their relationship.

Villegas issued the statement amid past reports that young people in particular tend to gather outside churches instead of actively participating in the mass.

While he reiterated that Simbang Gabi is for worship and not for courtship, Villegas said attendance at pre-dawn masses is considered a significant moment not only because it strengthens relationships among family members, friends and couples but also because their faith is intensified.

Meanwhile, over 200 police, including members of the elite Special Action Force, will be deployed in several churches in Metro Manila to secure the nine-day Misa de Gallo.

“Police presence will be intensified through increased foot and mobile patrol operations and deployment of route safety marshals in areas and times where and when they are most needed,” said Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ricardo Marquez.

Police assistance hubs will also be established in places of convergence to ensure immediate action when the need arises, Marquez said. – With Evelyn Macairan, Cecille Suerte Felipe