The traditional Simbang Gabi has started. The nine-day series of special Holy Masses has been part of a devotion of Roman Catholics in the Philippines as they anticipate Christmas and honor the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Simbang Gabi Masses are usually held between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. daily (from December 16 to 24), the definite schedule depending on the time set by a particular parish. Because lots of Catholics find it hard to rise up that early and some believers especially in the rural areas could not possibly find means to go to churches (which are usually kilometers away) by that time, some parishes are scheduling anticipated Simbang Gabi Masses in churches and chapels at night (from December 15 to 23) between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.
On Friday (December 15), the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Public Affairs Committee urged all Filipino Catholics to offer their sacrifices and prayers during Simbang Gabi not just for their personal intentions but also for the country.
If you intend to attend any of the Simbang Gabi Masses, here are the schedules in key churches and chapels within shopping malls across the metro:
Manila Cathedral
Anticipated Simbang Gabi– 8 p.m.
Simbang Gabi – 4:30 a.m.
Quiapo Church
Anticipated Simbang Gabi – 9 p.m.
Simbang Gabi (2 Masses)– 4 a.m. and 5 a.m.
Santo Domingo Church
Anticipated Simbang Gabi – 8 p.m.
Simbang Gabi – 4:30 a.m.
Christ the King Parish
Anticipated Simbang Gabi – 8 p.m.
Simbang Gabi – 5 a.m.
Church of the Gesu
Anticipated Simbang Gabi – 8:30 p.m.
EDSA Shrine
Anticipated Simbang Gabi – 7 p.m.
Simbang Gabi (2 Masses) – 4:15 a.m. and 5:30 a.m.
Baclaran Church
Anticipated Simbang Gabi – 8 p.m.
Simbang Gabi – 4:30 a.m.
Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Pasig
Anticipated Simbang Gabi – 8 p.m.
Simbang Gabi – 4 a.m.
Santuario de San Antonio
Simbang Gabi – 5 a.m.
Shopping Mall Chapels:
SM Megamall Chapel
Anticipated Simbang Gabi – 8 p.m.
Estancia Mall
Anticipated Simbang Gabi – 6:30 p.m.
SM Aura Premier Chapel
Anticipated Simbang Gabi – 8 p.m.
Greenbelt Chapel
Anticipated Simbang Gabi – 8 p.m.
Simbang Gabi – 5 a.m.