THE Archdiocese of Manila has reminded private institutions planning to hold Simbang Gabi Masses outside churches this Christmas Season to seek permits first.
In its Circular No. 2024-84, the Archdiocese of Manila said “explicit permission” from Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula is necessary 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,” said Advincula.
Upon the recommendation of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission, the Manila Archdiocese said all Simbang Gabi Masses can start as early as 7 o’clock for evening Masses, while the final dawn/morning Masses can begin at 5:30 am.
On Christmas Eve, the Vigil Mass of Christmas may be celebrated as early as 6 p.m. as the last Mass on December 24 would take the liturgy of the Midnight Mass of Christmas, even as the dawn Mass of Christmas is celebrated on the early morning of December 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.
With Simbang Gabi Masses just days away, Advincula asked all parish priests to encourage their parishioners to participate together.
“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,” said Advincula.
Simbang Gabi is the traditional nine-day series of evening/dawn Masses attended by Filipino Catholics before Christmas.
For the Catholic Church, Simbang Gabi Masses are held in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Anticipated evening Simbang Gabi Masses run from December 15 to 23, while the dawn Simbang Gabi Masses will be from December 16 to 24.
