Nine Churches For Nine Simbang Gabi Mornings

It’s that time of the year again when we schedule our alarm clocks to wake up in the wee hours of the morning to celebrate the advent of Christ’s coming — the simbang gabi.

Wherever there is a Catholic church in the country, people will be trooping in their best attire to begin nine mornings of religious attendance to Holy Mass and relive the most enduring story of all time, the Nativity.

While the tradition isn’t unique to the Philippines (other Hispanic countries have it, too), simbang gabi is distinct for its Filipino take on the tradition that was brought over by the Spaniards from Mexico. The mass is celebrated before the sun rises so that the farmers who toil in the fields all day can attend before their fieldwork begins. Together with the simbang gabi, there is the tradition of lighting parols (Christmas lanterns made of bamboo), which the farmers use to light their path on their way to church.

Also known as Misa de Aguinaldo, the nine mornings of waking up early to go to mass is the gift (aguinaldo in Spanish) that adherents offer to God for giving his only Son as a sacrifice for their sins. It also serves as a period of preparation for receiving the gift of Jesus Christ in the lives of the Catholic faithful.

Aside from Jesus, simbang gabi is also a period of devotion to the Virgin Mary, with the nine mornings corresponding to the nine days she had to endure while traveling to Bethlehem for the birth of her Son in a humble manger outside of town. Without her labors, Christ would not be born to fulfill God’s promise to humankind.

While the tradition of simbang gabi dates back to the Spanish colonial period, according to the Acta et Decreta Primi Concilii Plenarii Insularum Philippinarum, it was only during the First Plenary Council of the Philippines in 1953 that a formal petition to Rome was made to institutionalize simbang gabi.

The pope granted the petition with the following conditions: “On the nine days preceding the Nativity of our Lord, i.e., from December 16 to 24, the solemn votive Mass Rorate Coeli Desuper is sung especially in parish and convent churches, but only once a day with great solemnity and with a big attendance of the faithful.”

In 1961, the pope extended the observance of this tradition for five more years until eventually the tradition stuck.

However, some changes to the tradition had to be made after the dictator Ferdinand Marcos placed the entire country under martial law. With the introduction of a curfew, people could not attend mass in the early hours of the morning. Churches then began conducting anticipated masses in the evening so that the Catholic faithful could attend. Anticipated masses are still being observed today.

As the Catholic faithful prepare to observe the nine mornings starting on Monday, here are some of the ideal churches to visit to complete your simbang gabi devotion:

 Las Piñas Church

Aside from being known for its centuries-old pipe organ made of bamboo, the Las Piñas Church, otherwise known as St. Joseph’s Church after its patron saint is also a popular place to visit during simbang gabi. It is so popular that it is consistently featured on TV every time simbang gabi season begins.

The church’s well-preserved baroque architecture attracts parishioners who are looking for a traditional Filipino simbang gabi experience without having to travel all the way to Manila. Located at the heart of Las Piñas old town, expect many of the age-old simbang gabi traditions to come alive in this district.

 National Shrine of the Divine Mercy

Go all the way to Marilao, Bulacan to ponder the magnitude of Christ’s love for humankind. The church only has a 100-foot statue of Jesus Christ as the Divine Mercy — currently the tallest Divine Mercy statue in the world. Aside from reliving the Nativity story during the nine mornings, you’ll get to feel really blessed by God while marveling at the statue’s towering presence over parishioners.

 Antipolo Cathedral

Want to pray world peace or your own peace of mind? Have loved ones visiting the country during the holidays? A good place to pray is at the Antipolo Cathedral, also known as the National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. Apart from getting your petitions sent to heaven, you’ll get to enjoy simbang gabi amid Antipolo’s mild climate. It’s the kind of climate that deserves a warm cup of salabat or ginger brew and hot puto bumbong right after the mass.

 Manila Cathedral

The Manila Cathedral is teeming with history and heritage as it has witnessed innumerable simbang gabi masses since the Spanish colonial period. It’s the ideal dawn mass destination for those nostalgic about olden days and want to experience a traditional Filipino simbang gabi. Being a minor basilica dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, it’s also an ideal place to learn about how the Virgin Mary conceived the Savior whose birth Christians celebrate every Dec. 25.

The first simbang gabi mass on Dec. 16 and the misa de gallo on Dec. 24 will be presided by Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, who was recently appointed by the Pope as prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples in the Vatican.

 Quiapo Church

The Black Nazarene grants the intentions of its adherents not just during its feast day every Jan. 9. You can also visit the Quiapo Church to hear about the life of Christ before he suffered on the cross, as well as to pray for your wishes during the holidays.

Being at the center of Manila’s commercial district, you can also do some last-minute Christmas shopping in Carriedo or nearby Divisoria for Noche Buena essentials, Christmas decorations, and gift items for your godchildren.

 Baclaran Church

Also known as the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Baclaran Church is a must-visit site not just for pilgrims and devotees of the Our Mother of Perpetual Help, but also for those who have intentions and petitions for the holidays. After all, who else should intercede in heaven for your holiday wishes on your behalf than the mother of Christ?

But apart from that, the cavernous interior and solemn environs of Baclaran Church make for great listening and reflection on the Word of God during the nine mornings before Christmas. And with the assortment of dining places and stores around the church, you might as well break your fast and catch up on your Christmas shopping right after the service.

 Sto. Domingo Church

Quezon City’s Sto. Domingo Church is renowned not just for its celebrity weddings and funerals. It’s also known for its Spanish modern architecture courtesy of National Artist Jose Maria Zaragoza, colorful murals by National Artist Carlos “Botong” Francisco, and its stained-glass windows designed by artist Galo Ocampo. Aside from being a solemn celebration of Christ’s life, your nine mornings at Sto. Domingo Church will also be an appreciation of Filipino artistry.

 Imus Cathedral

Known for being one of the cities in Cavite where the Philippine Revolution started, the City of Imus has more than just history lessons to give its visitors. Age-old Filipino Christmas traditions remain alive in the city old quarter, where the Imus Cathedral, also known as the Our Lady of the Pillar Cathedral, is located. Spending your simbang gabi mornings at the city’s old church would give one a feeling of how our heroes celebrated Christmas during their time.

 Our Lady of Lourdes Tagaytay

A simbang gabi experience at Our Lady of Lourdes in Tagaytay City is more than just a celebration of Christ’s coming to the world. It’s also a chance for healing, thanks to the healing masses that the church regularly holds. Through strong faith and prayers, have whatever ails your body and soul healed this holiday season.

Moreover, it’s also an opportunity to experience Tagaytay’s cool climate without having to go all the way to Baguio City. You can bring the family to some of the highland city’s well-known restaurants like Bag of Beans, Antonio’s and Tsokolateria for some fulfilling bonding over breakfast after the mass is over.