FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
December 13, 2020
Dear St. Jude Family,
A blessed Advent to all! We are now on the third Sunday of Advent, which is also commonly called Gaudete Sunday. This Sunday, the third pink candle in the Advent wreath is lit, which signals a break about midway through the season and the nearness of the Lord’s coming.
This week also marks the start of a Catholic tradition in the Philippines named Simbang Gabi. As a Filipino priest, it is a joy for me to share with you a Filipino Christmas Tradition. Simbang Gabi is a series of nine dawn masses leading up to Christmas from December 16 to midnight on the 24th of December.
This tradition was introduced by the Spanish Friars to allow the farmers and fishermen to hear mass before going to the fields early in the morning. In fact, the flickering candles in the star shaped Christmas lanterns that adorned the humble houses gave light to the early morning churchgoers on their way to Simbang Gabi. The masses can start as early as four o’clock in the morning. That is why it is know by its popular Spanish name “Misa de Gallo” (Mass of the Rooster).
In the olden days, the pre-dawn Mass was announced by the ringing of the church bells as early as three o’clock, so people could get ready for the four o’clock mass. In some rural areas, an hour before the start of Simbang Gabi, a brass band played Christmas music all over the town. It is also believed that parish priests would go far and wide knocking on doors to wake and gather the faithful to attend the Misa de Gallo. The Catholic churches across the nation opened their doors shortly before the break of dawn to welcome the faithful to the Simbang Gabi mass. Farmers as well as fishermen woke up early to hear the Gospel and ask for the grace of good harvest before going to work.
The First Plenary Council of the Philippines in 1953 made a formal petition to Rome to continue with the Simbang Gabi. The Papal Indult approved with the following conditions: The nine days preceding the Nativity of our Lord starts on December 16, with a solemn votive Mass, but only once a day with great solemnity and a big attendance of the faithful. Since then, everywhere in the Philippines, the Simbang Gabi or Misa del Gallo is celebrated with great solemnity.
Today, the tradition of Simbang Gabi continues whether in the cities or provinces of the Philippines. The churches and streets are decorated with colorful lights and beautiful star shaped lanterns to welcome the churchgoers. The nativity scene (Belen) is displayed in preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. It shows baby Jesus in a manger with Mother Mary and Saint Joseph. There are shepherds and farm animals. A complete scenario of the Belen includes the three wise men carrying their gifts to the infant Jesus and the star of Bethlehem that guided them on their journey. Some urban parishes now celebrate Simbang Gabi in the evening in order to accommodate the needs of the members of the community who have different work schedules. The celebration is also seen as a way of requesting blessings from the Lord, as most people believe that if one completes the whole series of nine dawn masses, their wishes will be granted.
Praying for you, Fr. Pao