Simbang in Novaliches Quezon City 2017
by: JC Bulan
History of Simbang Gabi
Simbang gabi is probably one of the happiest and most anticipated occasions for Filipinos, next to Christmas and their birthdays. This is the time when they anticipate Jesus’ birthday with the joy of the whole family. Simbang gabi usually starts on December 16 and ends on December 24, the final mass before Christmas day.
The nine-day Simbang Gabi, also called “Misa de Gallo” (Rooster’s Mass), is a devotion for Filipino Catholics. The mass starts as early as 4:00 am or as late as 8:00pm. The evening mass schedule is authorized by the Archbishop of the diocese as a ‘pastoral necessity’, to accommodate the schedule of the working people who wish to fulfill this devotion.
The dawn masses root back to the Spanish colonial period when the friars allotted a time for farmers to receive the Eucharist before their work in the fields. The nine-day mass series is in keeping with the farmers’ harvest time. Church bells ringing at 3:00 am served as the people’s alarm clock back then.
Preparations for Simbang Gabi
Many say that modern young Filipinos have been foregoing the Filipino traditions but attending Simbang gabi is a custom that continues to live on. Perhaps it’s because of the promise passed on by older generations that wishes can be fulfilled after completing the Simbang gabi. It also helps that the church is adorned with lively decorations. Prayers are answered in a miraculous way. But I observe among my folks, we are prepared to attend the Simbang Gabi.
Our preparation starts with the family having a good Confession first week of December. This is to insure we are ready to receive our Lord in the Holy Eucharist. We usually talk it over with our Parish Priest or the Priest who takes care of our family. The clergy are typically the busiest during Christmas, so its best to have it scheduled. You may however ask for a Confession anytime when there is a real need, but its good to facilitate work for the clergy. Then, we do a prayer as a family, then we all go out for confession. After which we have some good enjoyable lunch where we can all fit.
Second week just before the start of the Novena, the children are made to finish homework and projects are already done by first day or 2nd day of the 2nd week. We are all sent to sleep early to get a complete 8 to 11 hours sleep depending our age. This will make us survive the rigors of waking early morning and attend the Dawn Mass. Each one is to think of an intention for the Novena Mass.
Enjoyable Cakes after Simbang Gabi
After each day of the Simbang gabi, mass-goers can enjoy sweet delicacies such as puto bumbong and bibingka. Puto bumbong is a purple-colored sticky rice snack steamed in tubes made of wood, usually bamboo. On the other hand, bibingka is a light-yellow colored rice cake cooked in small pans, reminiscent of pancakes and small sponge cakes.
During each day of the Simbang Gabi, all are at their best: well-worn clothes, happy smiles, as well as warm hugs and greetings for their loved ones and strangers alike. Amidst all these, may the people remember that the devotion is a time for thanksgiving. As they pose in front of the parishes for selfies, crossing out days 1 to 9, may they remember the reason for the season: Jesus.
History of Simbang Gabi
Simbang gabi is probably one of the happiest and most anticipated occasions for Filipinos, next to Christmas and their birthdays. This is the time when they anticipate Jesus’ birthday with the joy of the whole family. Simbang gabi usually starts on December 16 and ends on December 24, the final mass before Christmas day.
The nine-day Simbang Gabi, also called “Misa de Gallo” (Rooster’s Mass), is a devotion for Filipino Catholics. The mass starts as early as 4:00 am or as late as 8:00pm. The evening mass schedule is authorized by the Archbishop of the diocese as a ‘pastoral necessity’, to accommodate the schedule of the working people who wish to fulfill this devotion.
The dawn masses root back to the Spanish colonial period when the friars allotted a time for farmers to receive the Eucharist before their work in the fields. The nine-day mass series is in keeping with the farmers’ harvest time. Church bells ringing at 3:00 am served as the people’s alarm clock back then.
Preparations for Simbang Gabi
Many say that modern young Filipinos have been foregoing the Filipino traditions but attending Simbang gabi is a custom that continues to live on. Perhaps it’s because of the promise passed on by older generations that wishes can be fulfilled after completing the Simbang gabi. It also helps that the church is adorned with lively decorations. Prayers are answered in a miraculous way. But I observe among my folks, we are prepared to attend the Simbang Gabi.
Our preparation starts with the family having a good Confession first week of December. This is to insure we are ready to receive our Lord in the Holy Eucharist. We usually talk it over with our Parish Priest or the Priest who takes care of our family. The clergy are typically the busiest during Christmas, so its best to have it scheduled. You may however ask for a Confession anytime when there is a real need, but its good to facilitate work for the clergy. Then, we do a prayer as a family, then we all go out for confession. After which we have some good enjoyable lunch where we can all fit.
Second week just before the start of the Novena, the children are made to finish homework and projects are already done by first day or 2nd day of the 2nd week. We are all sent to sleep early to get a complete 8 to 11 hours sleep depending our age. This will make us survive the rigors of waking early morning and attend the Dawn Mass. Each one is to think of an intention for the Novena Mass.
Enjoyable Cakes after Simbang Gabi
After each day of the Simbang gabi, mass-goers can enjoy sweet delicacies such as puto bumbong and bibingka. Puto bumbong is a purple-colored sticky rice snack steamed in tubes made of wood, usually bamboo. On the other hand, bibingka is a light-yellow colored rice cake cooked in small pans, reminiscent of pancakes and small sponge cakes.
During each day of the Simbang Gabi, all are at their best: well-worn clothes, happy smiles, as well as warm hugs and greetings for their loved ones and strangers alike. Amidst all these, may the people remember that the devotion is a time for thanksgiving. As they pose in front of the parishes for selfies, crossing out days 1 to 9, may they remember the reason for the season: Jesus.
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