Prepare your Heart at “Simbang Gabi” – A Filipino Tradition
Simbang Gabi, which means “Night Mass,” is a Filipino tradition of spiritual preparation for Christmas that traces back to the arrival of Spanish missionaries in the Philippines about 500 years ago, comprising nine days of Masses leading up to Christmas Eve. These Masses are celebrated well before sunrise – as early as 3 am up to 5 am. The early start time was a practical compromise for farmers and other labourers, who typically began working before sunrise to avoid the midday heat. Noting that their parishioners would still attend the usual evening Christmas novenas despite fatigue from the day’s work, priests would celebrate Mass before dawn so that the faithful could attend and start their workday before sunrise. It was a privilege granted by the Vatican to celebrate votive Masses of the Virgin Mary at dawn before Christmas to thank God for the gift of the Catholic faith and intercede for its preservation in the Philippines. While the cultural aspect of the tradition is important, equally as important is the spiritual nature, “Simbang Gabi” devotion regardless of the time of day or night, Filipinos will celebrate and participate in Mass. The key word is “Simba” (Mass-Church), not “gabi” (night). The indispensable part of this nine-day pre-Christmas tradition is the Eucharist. Through the years, the time for celebrating Simbang Gabi evolved, understanding that the essence of Simbang Gabi doesn’t reside in the time of dawn but rather in the Mass itself. We focus on the “essentials,” reminding all of us that the most important aspect of “Simbang Gabi” is not the time it is celebrated but rather the participation in Mass. Attending Mass for nine days and preferably receiving Holy Communion in the state of grace during those Masses is one way to prepare for Christmas.
We are blessed, for there are several parishes in the Archdiocese of Winnipeg that celebrate “Simbang Gabi” Mass. It is the evening of the fifteenth of December, and a familiar melody reverberates through St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic church at Mass. The choir’s almost angelic voices take me back to a time when I would go with my family to “Simbang Gabi” back in the Philippines. It also prompts me to reflect on these Novena Masses, such as joyful devotions of prayer, and music. The Churches and surrounding houses are hung with lights and ubiquitous star-shaped lanterns. The Mass is followed with an array of refreshments: fortifying soups and porridges, rice cakes like bibingka, sweets for the children, and hot coffee, chocolate, or ginger tea. These snacks provide sustenance but also a chance for the community to share and celebrate together. “Simbang Gabi” is a testimony of fervent joy and a gift to the world. The gift is not the tradition we give. We are the real gifts, through simplicity and poverty of spirit, humility and kindness, sacrifice, and self-gift. Reflecting on the remaining days of Advent, how can we be a gift to others?
– Judith Vasquez, Director of Catechetics & Faith Formation
Simbang Gabi Schedule:
The Christmas Novena Masses usually begin on December 16, and end on December 24. However, this year, since Christmas falls on a Monday, some parishes chose to start on the 15th of December.
Early morning Masses:
5:00 am – St. Edward’s Parish, 836 Arlington St. (starts on December 16)
5:30 am – St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, Petrus Hall, 2624 Inkster Blvd. (starts on December 16)
6:00 am – St. Anthony of Padua Parish, 250 Burrin Ave. (starts on December 15)
Evening Masses:
6:00 pm – St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, 172 Worth St. (starts December 15)
(Mass is at 5:00 pm on Saturday, December 16th & 23rd)
7:00 pm – St. Gerard Parish, 45 Foster St. (starts December 15)
(Mass is at 5:00 pm on Saturday, December 16th & 23rd; and at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, December 20th)