Virgilio Lorenzo Jr

Priest: No tinkering with phones, talking with friends during Simbang Gabi

Article (news)

David Dizon

ABS-CBN News

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines is reminding the faithful not to eat or use their phones during the Holy Mass especially with the start of the 9-day Simbang Gabi before Christmas.Fr. Jerome Secillano, CBCP Episcopal Commission on Public Affairs executive secretary, said giving your full attention during the Holy Mass is the highest form of worship.“Kahit hindi naman Simbang Gabi, dapat hindi tayo kumakain sa loob ng simbahan, hindi umiinom ng tubig, hindi nagti-tinker sa cellphone kasi gusto natin ng active and full participation ng tao  doon sa misa,” he said in a TeleRadyo Serbisyo interview.“It’s not just rational but the proper thing to do. Pumunta naman tayo ng simbahan para magdasal. Hindi naman tayo pumunta doon para kumain o mag relax lang. Tapos nakikipagkwentuhan pa tayo sa kaibigan natin. ‘Yung undivided attention ipakita natin because it is the highest form of worship.”<div><a 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>Secillano, rector of the EDSA Shrine, said there are usually announcements on what is disallowed even before the Mass. He said churchgoers who bring in snacks, softdrinks or even coffee inside the shrine are asked to step outside.The priest said the first day of the 9-day Simbang Gabi was well attended but said he does not know if the high attendance numbers will be sustained.“Basically mayos naman, well attended. Ganun naman ang mga Pilipino, kapag unang araw, nagdadagsaan ‘yan. Bahagi na ito ng Christmas tradition so maraming tao,” he said.Priests also prepare a special homily for the Simbang Gabi considering that attention spans of churchgoers during the predawn Masses, he said. “Some are sleepy or tired,” he said in Tagalog.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines is reminding the faithful not to eat or use their phones during the Holy Mass especially with the start of the 9-day Simbang Gabi before Christmas.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines is reminding the faithful not to eat or use their phones during the Holy Mass especially with the start of the 9-day Simbang Gabi before Christmas.