Misa de Gallo :: Simbang Gabi :: 9 Mornings

Misa de Gallo in Spanish, Simbang Gabi in Tagalog and 9 Mornings or Mass at Dawn in English is a very popular Filipino tradition during the Christmas Season. Ideally, Catholic Churches celebrates mass at around 4:00 in the morning for 9 days until the day before Christmas day. It starts every morning starting December 16th. However, these days we are already adopting Simbang Gabi at night time to give a chance to those who can’t wake up that early to attend the Christmas novena. So if Simbang Gabi is celebrated at night time, that would mean that it would start on the night of December 15th.

It is also said that when you finish the “9 mornings“, a wish would be granted to you. Unfortunately, these are not scientifically proven but faithful believes and hopes that their heart’s desire would be true. I always believe in that too. I know that somehow, even if my “wish” is not 100% granted I would be able to get it in another form.

The first time I completed Simbang Gabi was after I graduated College. I even slept in my friend’s house/dorm for me to be able to attend and complete the dawn masses. I was really happy when I completed it. I can’t remember what my wish was that time but I know I got it somehow.

Besides the celebration of the mass, people look forward to the cool breeze of December since it’s at dawn and of course the yummy puto bumbongs and bibingkas being sold in front of the Church that will serve as your breakfast for the day!

With all the happenings and other beliefs we have for this tradition, we should always remember the Significance of Simbang Gabi:
As stated by the Archdiocese of Manila — Simbang Gabi has become one of the most popular traditions in the country. But it is not just a tradition that is celebrated because we need to do so. It is a significant moment not only because it strengthens relationships among family members but also because it is the time where our faith is intensified. This is the time where we mostly feel the presence of the Lord because it is the spiritual preparation for Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ. It does not matter if one has the stamina to complete the novena or not, what really matters is what is inside the heart. The blessing does not depend on the number of mass attended, but what is important is the disposition of the person who receives the Lord’s blessing.

Unfortunately, I haven’t completed the Simbang gabi for almost 2 years already due to certain circumstances. So I promised myself that this year, I will do my best to be able to complete these 9 mornings. I’m thinking of going to Mass in Megamall since it’s the most convenient place for me after work. They have “Simbang Gabi” at 8:00pm starting on the 15th of December, which I believe is TODAY .  (you can even check my countdown on my sidebar)

So are you completing this year’s Misa de Gallo? ^_^

Read more about Travel, Food and Lifestyle at Kathleen’s Daily Musings

You can also follow Kathleen in BlogLovin,
Facebook or on Twitter !

Read more at Kathleen’s Daily Musings