Rowegie Abanto

Churchgoers  attend a pre-dawn mass at Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Cubao on December 16, 2023. Pre-dawn masses, known as 'Simbang Gabi,' are a devotional nine-day series of masses practiced by Catholics in anticipation of Christmas. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

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ABS-CBN News Digital Intern

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/173431675235820231216-simbang-gabi-cubao-cathedral-MT-9.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false" style="text-align:left">Churchgoers attend a pre-dawn mass at Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Cubao on December 16, 2023. <em>Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/File</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — As the traditional dawn masses begin, Catholics are reminded that the essence of Simbang Gabi lies in the sacredness of the Mass, not in festivity.</p><p>Every December 16 until Christmas Eve, Filipino Catholics gather for Simbang Gabi, a tradition rooted in faith and devotion. </p><p>But amid the season&#x27;s festive spirit, Fr. Francis Lucas, president and CEO of the Catholic Media Network, reminded mass-goers that they do not attend Simbang Gabi just to make friends with other people.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2024/12/16/first-day-of-simbang-gabi-2024-peaceful-no-threats-seen-pnp-0905">First day of Simbang Gabi 2024 peaceful, no threats seen: PNP</a></div><p>Lucas emphasized the need to focus on devotion rather than socializing. He also highlighted that their attire should reflect reverence for the sacred event.</p><p>&quot;&#x27;Wag ka naman pupunta dun na malaswa &#x27;yung suot. Kapag nagsisimba, dapat Sunday clothes ang suot mo kasi espesyal itong Simbang Gabi,&quot; he said.</p><p>He addressed concerns about some Gen Zs feeling restricted by these rules. </p><p>&quot;&#x27;Yung patakaran, noon pa naman &#x27;yan sa lahat ng misa,&quot; he said, underscoring the importance of maintaining decorum during masses.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2024/12/15/quiapo-church-reminds-catholics-dont-eat-inside-churches-during-simbang-gabi-1556">Quiapo Church reminds Catholics: Don&#x27;t eat inside churches during Simbang Gabi</a></div><p>The church also encourages solemn participation in Simbang Gabi. </p><p>&quot;Attitude mo pagdating sa simbahan, solemn dapat. Aawit ka kasama nung choir o ng pari,&quot; he said.</p><p>According to Circular 2024-84 issued by Archbishop Jose Advincula, Simbang Gabi evening masses can start as early as 7 p.m., while morning masses may begin at 5:30 a.m.</p><div><strong>SIMBANG GABI FOR WISHES?</strong></div><p>Lucas also clarified the misconception that Simbang Gabi is solely for making wishes. </p><p>&quot;There is nothing wrong with requesting,&quot; he said, &quot;Pero &#x27;wag lang &#x27;yun kasi puwede ka rin magpuri sa Diyos, nagpapasalamat ka sa Kanya hindi &#x27;yung hiling nang hiling lang.&quot;</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2024/12/15/metro-manila-police-to-deploy-10-000-cops-for-simbang-gabi-1052">Metro Manila police to deploy 10,000 cops for Simbang Gabi</a></div><p>The church&#x27;s reminder serves as a call for deeper devotion, as Simbang Gabi is not only a tradition but a significant spiritual preparation for the celebration of Christmas. </p><p>Lucas said that the mass is a time for prayer, reflection, and thanksgiving, a perfect time to set aside distractions and honor the true essence of the celebration.</p><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div><strong><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k3-NkznS2qo?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></strong><br/></div>

<p>As the traditional dawn masses begin, Catholics are reminded that the essence of Simbang Gabi lies in the sacredness of masses, not festivity.</p>

As the traditional dawn masses begin, Catholics are reminded that the essence of Simbang Gabi lies in the sacredness of masses, not festivity.

Catholics urged to focus on devotion over socializing at Simbang Gabi

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Catholics urged to focus on devotion over socializing at Simbang Gabi

ABS-CBN News Digital Intern,

Kathleen Veronica Z. Olsim

Published December 16, 2024 04:15 PM PHT

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