Filipino Catholics start Simbang Gabi tradition

With the nine-day Simbang Gabi devotional officially starting before dawn on Saturday, many of the Catholic faithful went to church on Friday night for the anticipated Mass.

The anticipated mass at the Quiapo Church was held at 7 p.m.

The traditional early morning masses are attended by devotees daily from December 16 until December 24.

According to Quiapo Church Parochial Vicar Father Jesus Madrid, the nine days of masses were in preparation for the arrival of Jesus Christ on Christmas Day.

“Taimtim na magsimba…Nine days na paghahanda sa pagdating ng Panginoon mula sa pagbibigay parangal kay Maria [na] nine months dinala Panginoon at ibinigay sa mundo,” Madrid said.

Many Filipino Catholics prepare to accomplish their yearly tradition of completing the nine days of masses, but Madrid said it wasn’t necessary.

“Yung ibang tao kinukumpleto nila kasi panata nila, pero kahit hindi kumpleto ay okay lang. Ang mahalaga magdasal ka,” Madrid said.

“May wish po [kasi] kami na sana matupad pag nakumpleto namin yung Simbang Gabi,” churchgoer Ivy Cordova said.

Police presence around the Quiapo Church was significant as more vendors and buyers started to arrive for the Christmas season.

While traffic remained light on Friday evening, more people were expected to arrive for the Misa de Gallo on Saturday morning. — Jiselle Casucian/DVM/NB, GMA Integrated News