Simbang Gabi begins, Filipinos' depth of Catholicism

COTABATO CITY - Simbang Gabi, the Philippines' observance oftraditional 9-day dawn masses, or Misa de Gallo, willofficially start Wednesday dawn (December 16)in many Catholic Churches across the country and in the Archdiocese of Cotabato.Thousands of Catholics across the archdiocese of Cotabato and throughout the countryare expected to flock to Cathedrals, Churches and chapelsto attend the traditional dawn mass, which usually stats at 4 in the morning. (See related story- The origin and meaning of Simbang Gabi novena) Misa de Gallo” is a Catholic Church tradition dating way back during the Spanish Colonial era with nine-day series of Masses in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary in anticipation of Christmas.Nine days because it celebrates the 9-month baby Jesus was in the womb of Mama Mary. Father Marvin-Paul R. Felipe, SDB saidthe annual Simbang Gabi provides a strong indication of the depth of Catholicism in the hearts of Filipinos.Archbishop Socrates Villegas, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines 9CBCP) said theYear of the Eucharist and the Family will be the focus of parishes during Simbang Gabi” novena masses. In a statement to all bishops in the country,Archbishop Villegas said the focus aimsto spiritually prepare the faithful on the upcoming International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) in Cebu next year.The country will host the 51st IEC in Cebu from January 24 to 31, 2016 for the second time. It hosted the same Church evetn inin Manila during the pontificate of Pope Pius XI in 1937.Archbishop Villegas stressed that husband and wife orcouples should be encouraged to attend the Simbang Gabi together.He said boyfriends-girlfriends who attend Simbang Gabi together should be encouraged too. It means they are putting God as the setting of their friendship,” he said.