By Ferdinand Patinio | Philippine News Agency
Private companies planning to hold Simbang Gabi or Dawn Masses outside churches under the Archdiocese of Manila this Christmas season have to secure permission from the church first.
In its Circular 2024-84, the archdiocese reminded these institutions that they have to ask an “explicit permission” from Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula if Simbang Gabi masses were to be held in places such as malls, schools, offices, and other private spaces.
“Our Archdiocesan policy provides that if Simbang Gabi masses are to be celebrated in chapels, offices, or places other than the parish church, shrine, or chaplaincy, explicit permission from the Archbishop of Manila has to be sought,” he said in the circular issued on Nov. 19.
At the same time, the Manila Archdiocese added that all Simbang Gabi masses can start as early as 7 p.m. for evening masses, while the final dawn/morning masses can begin at 5:30 a.m., as recommended by the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission.
On Christmas Eve, the Vigil Mass of Christmas may be celebrated as early as 6 p.m. as the last Mass on Dec. 24, while the dawn Mass of Christmas is celebrated on the early morning of Dec. 25.
It also provides that during the weekday evening Simbang Gabi masses, the readings and prayers of the following day may be used, except during Sunday evenings when the Sunday readings and prayers are used.
The Archdiocese of Manila said Simbang Gabi masses, including those celebrated on Sundays, will have white vestments used, while the other Sunday masses that are not Simbang Gabi masses will have violet vestments used.
On the other hand, Advincula asked all parish priests to encourage their parishioners to participate in all Simbang Gabi masses, which will start on Dec. 16.
“Let us encourage our parishioners to pray together as families so that the seasons of Advent and Christmas will be occasioned by meaningful encounters with the Lord,” he added.
Simbang Gabi is the traditional nine-day series of evening/dawn masses during the Christmas season. The evening masses run from Dec. 15 to 23, while the dawn masses run from Dec. 16 to 24.
For the Catholic Church, the annual Catholic event is held in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.