The much-anticipated “Simbang Gabi” (pre-dawn Mass) started during martial law as a response to the 12 midnight-to-4 a.m. curfew imposed by the Marcos regime in 1972, according to an official of the Manila diocese.
“The changes in the time began, really during martial law because of the curfew,” Fr. Genaro Diwa of the Archdiocese of Manila-Ministry for Liturgical Affairs said.
“It destroyed the whole tradition. That’s why you will see there the so-called anticipated Simbang Gabi.
“That is not allowed because we don’t have permission for that, but we are doing it because of many pastoral reasons, especially today.”
Diwa said after martial law was lifted nominally in 1981, the Catholic Church noticed that several pre-dawn Masses in a day encouraged more people to attend the Novena Masses.
“We found it very effective for people who are working,” he said. That is the reason why the custom persisted and the different times.”
Diwa urged people intending to hear the nine-day Novena Masses starting today and until Christmas Eve to be in church on time.
“God sees the heart of each one of us and the effort in waking up early and to be there,” he said.
“The Church says you must be in the Mass, in the liturgy of the Word and in the liturgy of the Eucharist because the two make up the one sacrifice of Christ. So all of us must make great efforts to be there from beginning until end of the Mass.”
What is important is for the faithful to be sincere in his desire to be with the Lord, Diwa said.
Police to secure Simbang Gabi
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Jesus Verzosa ordered yesterday security in Catholic churches celebrating the nine-day Misa de Gallo.
“We do not really anticipate any major peace and order problem during this Yuletide Season, but, we are deploying more policemen in the field as a crime prevention measure,” he said.
Police mobile patrols were instructed to use blinkers to show their presence at night.
Policemen in regions facing threats will inspect bags and frisk people for guns, explosives and other deadly weapons, according to Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome, PNP spokesman.
Simbang Gabi starts at dawn today. – With Cecille Suerte Felipe