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Simbang Gabi: Keeping a Christmas tradition alive

By Priam Nepomuceno

December 12, 2017, 4:30 pm

The Redemptorist Church, also known as the Baclaran Church, in Paranaque is one of the many churches which are popular among Simbang Gabi attendees during the Christmas season. (PNA file photo)

MANILA -- As Asia's most predominantly Christian country, many Filipinos adhere to religious festivities, the biggest and most anticipated of which is Christmas.

One of the oldest and most popular traditions which comes with this season is the Simbang Gabi (dawn masses). It is when Catholic churches across the nation start to open their doors shortly before the break of dawn to welcome the faithful to the holy mass.

The nine-day novena to the Blessed Mother Mary begins every December 16 -- sometimes as early as 4 a.m. -- and culminates with the “Misa de Gallo” on Christmas Eve to welcome the birth of Jesus Christ.

Simbang Gabi traces its roots in Mexico when, in 1587, Pope Sixtus V 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.

During the old times, the pre-dawn mass is announced by the ringing of the church bells. In some rural areas, a brass band plays Christmas music all over the town an hour before the start of Simbang Gabi.

Some churches, meanwhile, reenact the story of Joseph and Mary's search for a suitable place to give birth through the “panuluyan”.

It is also believed that parish priests would go far knocking on doors to wake and gather the faithful to attend the Misa De Gallo. Farmers as well as fishermen wake up early to hear the Gospel before going to their work and ask for the grace of good harvest.

Despite today's modern and fast-paced lifestyle and the indifference among many youngsters, many Filipinos still keep the tradition alive.

This was proven true by Manila Times reporter Dempsey Reyes when queried on whether he still has time to attend the nine-day religious event.

Manila Times reporter Dempsey Reyes (in beige polo shirt).

"Yes. This is one of the highlights in every Christmas season and frankly, among traditions that I look forward to every holiday season," Reyes said.

"Mainly, because since I was a child, my grandparents would tell me to attend the traditional Simbang Gabi," he added.

For Reyes, Simbang Gabi becomes more meaningful when he attends it with his loved ones.

"I would often go with my friends or anyone from my family since it is a culture or tradition that must be observed yearly. But sometimes, mag-isa lang ako nagsisimbang gabi. There's this paniniwala also that if one is able to complete the Simbang Gabi, his or her wish would come true. Sadly, I was not able to complete a straight-nine nights," the newsman said.

"Mas nararamdaman ko ang Pasko everytime I attend a Simbang Gabi. Iba pa rin ang pakiramdam," he added.

Reyes' views on the annual religious festivities were shared by Balita correspondent Beth Camia.

"Kapag nagsisimba ako, pakiramdam ko blessed ako at nababawasan ang mga maling nagagawa ko," she added.

Balita correspondent Beth Camia with son

When asked on whether she is able to complete the nine-day religious tradition, Camia said "Oo, pero minsan di ko nabubuo."

This year, Camia will try her best to complete this year's Simbang Gabi, believing that this will make her request come true.

Meanwhile, Manila Bulletin reporter Francis Wakefield stressed that despite his hectic coverage schedule, he tries to do his best to attend the Simbang Gabi mass as it heralds the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.

"It is a time Catholics from all over the world can rejoice and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ," he added.

Manila Bulletin reporter Francis Wakefield

While still believing in the tradition, "Buhay Marino" layout artist John Eliazar said he no longer has time to participate in the "Simbang Gabi" due to his workload.

"Dati, nung kabataan ko, nagsisimba ko ayon sa mga magulang at nakakatanda sa pamilya ko pero nang tumuntong ako ng college, hindi na ito akma sa oras ng pag-aaral o oras ng trabaho," he added.

For him, a direct and solemn prayer is the best way to compensate for his non-attendance to the annual tradition.

"Nakakapagdasal naman ako direkta sa Panginoon. Mas pribado at mas taimtim pang komunikasyon na meron kami. Ang pagsamba at pagdulog sa kanya ay hindi pumapanahon, ito dapat ay may pagkukusa," he added.

For "Buhay Marino" staff writer Reeve Malabana, his attendance to the Simbang Gabi was put off by some priests who have turned the pulpit into a political mouthpiece.

"Ang Simbang Gabi ay nakatiyempo sa mga araw ng trabaho at mas kailangan kong magpahinga kaysa makinig sa sermon ng isang taong tulad ko na kadalasan ay ginagamit lang ang misa para maibahagi ang kanilang opinyon tungkol sa pulitika, sa mga taong kinakalaban ng kanilang relihiyosong organisasyon, at personal na opinyon na hindi akma sa kanilang posisyon bilang pari na may impluwensya sa mamamayan," he added.

More than a tradition meant to bond families or fulfill one's personal wishes, Simbang Gabi highlights the true reason for the season. It is thanking God for both hardships and blessings and the celebrating the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ which brings faith, hope and love in everyone's lives. (PNA)

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