SIMBANG Gabi, also known as Misa de Gallo or Misa de Aguinaldo, marks the nine-day dawn masses attended by Filipino Catholics in preparation for Christmas. In some regions, it is called by other names, such as Misa de los Pastores by the Chavacanos in Zamboanga. Regardless of its name, these Masses reflect the faithful’s deep belief in the coming of the Messiah.
Votive Masses
According to Fr. Fidel Villaroel, O.P., a former professor at the University of Santo Tomas and a historian, Christmas dawn masses fall under a special category in the liturgical books called votive masses. These masses, detailed in both pre-and post-Vatican II Missals, are celebrated for specific intentions and often replace the regular liturgical texts for the day.
“Votive Masses are those that do not correspond with the Office of the day but are said by choice of the celebrant, with special texts for particular intentions,” explained Fr. Villaroel in his study published in Philippiniana Sacra.
He added that priests can choose to celebrate votive masses on special days for significant reasons, following the Church’s liturgical norms. Examples include masses for the Virgin Mary, the Holy Spirit, St. Joseph, or even for specific needs like peace or the dead.
This practice dates back to the fourth century when parishioners requested special masses for various intentions. Over time, while some votive masses were eliminated, others, like the Misa de Aguinaldo, remained part of the Roman Missal.
“The Aguinaldo Masses, as votive masses introduced by Spain, Mexico, or the Philippines, do Aguinaldo Masses, as votive masses introduced by Spain, Mexico, or the Philippines, do not have a specific text in the universal Roman Missal. However, Rome recognizes them as privileged votive masses, celebrated pro re gravi (for grave or weighty reasons) and with massive attendance by the faithful,” Fr. Villaroel noted.
Faith and Individual Intentions
While the faithful share a common devotion, their reasons for attending Misa de Gallo vary.
For 13-year-old Judel Bigwas, the dawn masses are an opportunity to deepen his understanding of the Nativity story.
“Para makatuon ko unsa ang nahitabo pag-anak ni Jesus nga base gyud sa Bible (To learn what happened during the birth of Jesus based on the Bible),” he said.
For his mother, Judyrose, completing the nine days is a practice tied to answered prayers and blessings. She recounted how her wishes had come true after attending all nine masses.
“Katong kaisa nag-wish gyud ko nga makapalit na mi’g yuta nga amoa gyud. Wala pa gyud nahuman ang tuig after ana nga Pasko, natuman gyud siya (There was one time I wished for us to buy our lot. Before the year ended, my wish came true),” she said.
She also shared another instance when she prayed for her elder brother to find a job, which he eventually did. Judyrose believes that completing the nine masses is a gift from God to His people.
The Ultimate Gift
No matter the name, purpose, or individual intentions behind the nine-day dawn masses, the essence of Simbang Gabi lies in the faith of the participants. At its core is the celebration of the ultimate gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, who came to save humanity. CEA