Manila archdiocese: No more 'Simbang Gabi' in malls

The Archdiocese of Manila has issued new guidelines on the celebration of Simbang Gabi (Dawn Mass) during the Christmas Season and has disallowed the celebration of dawn Masses inside shopping malls. According to the guidelines issued by Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, "Simbang Gabi may not be celebrate(d) in malls or shopping centers, unless there is a chapel in the establishment, where the Holy Eucharist is celebrated with frequency and duly approved by us." "We do not allow Simbang Gabi to be celebrated in corridors and hallways of shopping malls where the celebration of the Holy Eucharist is needlessly exposed to shoppers that are indifferent to the celebration," Rosales said in the guidelines posted on the Manila Archdiocese website. Gaudencio added the ordinary place for the celebration of the Simbang Gabi Masses is the parochial church.

Chapels duly recognized within the jurisdiction of the parish church can celebrate Simbang Gabi only with the consent of the parish priest and in coordination with the parish, he added. "The ordinary place for the celebration of the Simbang Gabi Masses is the parochial church. Chapels, which are duly recognized within the jurisdiction of the parish church, are given permission to celebrate Simbang Gabi only with the consent of the parish priest and in coordination with the parish," the guidelines said. Rosales also frowned upon the celebration of the supposedly dawn Mass "Misa de Aguinaldo" during the morning, mid-day or late afternoon. "(It) is not in keeping with the liturgical norms of the Archdiocese of Manila and is to be regarded as an abuse. Therefore, only the dawn and, when pastorally required, the evening Masses are considered Simbang Gabi or Misa de Aguinaldo," he said. Simbang Gabi In his guidelines, Rosales pointed out that Simbang Gabi is a typical Filipino way of preparing for the great feast of Christmas. According to the website of the Archdiocese of Manila website, the Simbang Gabi or Mass at Dawn is a nine-day novena to the Blessed Mother. The novena begins every December 16 as early as 4:00 a.m. and culminates with the “Misa de Gallo" on Christmas Eve to commemorate the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. "For Filipino Catholics, Simbang Gabi is above all an expression of their filial devotion to Mary, the Mother of God," Rosales noted. "For nine consecutive days, they join and accompany her, so to speak, as she awaits the birth of her Son. For this reason, the Masses on these days are celebrated as solemn votive Masses in her honor," he said. "We wish to encourage the practice of Simbang Gabi, whether at dawn or in the evening, because it is a great source of spiritual nourishment to our faithful," he added. Other guidelines Rosales said when Simbang Gabi is celebrated in the evening of Saturday and Sunday, one should take the liturgy of the Sunday. It should be noted that Sunday evening Mass should not anticipate the weekday Mass of the following day. White vestments are used, the Gloria is sung, and musical instruments accompany the singing during the Simbang Gabi of Saturday evening, dawn of Sunday and Sunday evening. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines has approved that the readings for the December 16 Simbang Gabi are from the Friday of the Third Week of Advent: Is 56:1-3,6-8 and John 5:33-36. "As we prepare for the celebration of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ through the unique Filipino Catholic tradition of Simbang Gabi, may the faith and devotion of Mary, the Mother of God and the Mother of the Filipino nation, inspire us to receive in our hearts and home God’s surpassing Aguinaldo in the person of Jesus Christ," Rosales said. "Let us keep her company through prayer and good works, so that she may also keep us company as we journey towards the fulfillment of God’s promise of peace in our nation and in the world," he added. — RSJ/VVP, GMANews.TV