Misa de Gallo Simbang Gabi?

I am writing this article in the morning of 14 December 2020. On the 16th we will begin the celebration of an early dawn religious cultural event popularly called Misa de Gallo. Due to the two political and health circumstances in the past and the present, the Misa de Gallo has been changed to Simbang Gabi. And what a change! We have to explain.

“Misa de Gallo” refers to the Holy Mass celebrated at 4 a.m., the time a cock, gallo in Spanish, crows loudly, a natural clock waking up people from sleep! It is a festive event in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, apparently contrary to the serious mood of the Advent season liturgically symbolized by violet vestments, somber hymns and flowerless decor. These 9 Masses in festive, solemn, colorful and happy rituals in white were a privilege given only to the Philippines, so says Catholic tradition, for the preservation of the Faith.

The two situations, political and health, were Martial Law and now the pandemic Covid-19, when early dawn gatherings of people were/are not allowed because of the curfew hours. So the Masses are now celebrated early in the evenings. Hence the “Simbang Gabi” in Tagalog, for evening worship or evening Mass.

The CBCP Commission on the Liturgy has issued guidelines in accord with health protocols of Government. The local bishops would know how these would be observed in their respective dioceses and jurisdictions.

I hope and pray that our people will not forget that the focus of this festive cultural event is honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary whose Total YES has brought about the birth of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, Our Emmanuel, God with us!