필리핀어학연수 유학기업 필자닷컴

Simbang Gabi - Filipino Catholic Tradition

이름 : celest
작성일 : 2008-12-17
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SIMBANG GABI is one of the longest and most popular among the Filipino traditions in the country. It is when Catholic churches across the nation start to open their doors shortly before the break of dawn to welcome the faithful to the Simbang Gabi mass.

Simbang Gabi or Mass at Dawn is a nine-day novena to the Blessed Mother. The novena begins December 16 as early as 4 in the morning and culminates with the “Misa de Gallo” on Christmas Eve to welcome the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Simbang Gabi has become one of the most popular traditions in the country. But it is not just a tradition that is celebrated because we need to do so. It is a significant moment not only because it strengthens relationships among family members but also because it is the time where our faith is intensified. This is the time where we mostly feel the presence of the Lord because it is the spiritual preparation for Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ. It does not matter if one has the stamina to complete the novena or not, what really matters is what is inside the heart. The blessing does not depend on the number of mass attended, but what is important is the disposition of the person who receives the Lord’s blessing.

- Simbang Gabi is very famous here in the Philippines to those who are Catholic. It usually starts around 4:00 A.M. And people who wants to join would wake up as much as 3:00 A.M. This is just to join the mass. It usually only happens on December and last for only nine days. They say that if you join Simbang Gabi, you should make a wish and the wish would be granted. I usually say to myself before, that I would wake up and join Simbang Gabi, but it's really difficult for me. I actually have my alarm clock set but still it's impossible for me to wake up. I was able to join it only once though and it's because a friend of mine woke me up. The experience was unforgettable, being inside the Church really makes you awake. Because they really sing lively songs and the Church has full of lights. I truly do want to experience it again but it's really hard for me to wake up. I’ve asked my friends who joins Simbang Gabi before if their wish was granted, and they told me that it did. They told me as long as you have faith in God and as well never miss the nine days mass it really would come true. But if you miss out even for one day, they said it’s rarely to come true. -