MANILA — Manila Archbishop Jose Advincula has released the official guidelines for the upcoming Simbang Gabi, the traditional nine-day dawn and evening masses observed by Filipino Catholics in spiritual preparation for Christmas.
In a circular dated November 12, the Archbishop announced the directives following recommendations from the Presbyteral Council and the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission.
“As we approach the conclusion of the liturgical year and prepare to usher in a new one, we look forward with joyful hope the celebration of the Nativity of the Lord Jesus,” Advincula said in the circular.
“We treasure the Filipino tradition of the nine-day Aguinaldo Masses in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the expectant mother, ‘for the perseverance of the nation in the faith,’” he added.
According to the Catholic liturgical calendar, the Feast of Christ the King on November 22 marks the end of the liturgical year, while the Advent Season begins on November 29. The traditional Simbang Gabi series runs annually from December 16 to December 24.
The newly issued guidelines outline key schedules and liturgical protocols:
- Mass Schedules: Evening Aguinaldo/Simbang Gabi masses may begin as early as 6:00 p.m. Dawn or morning masses may start no later than 5:30 a.m.
- Mass Anticipation: As a pastoral accommodation, anticipating the following day’s readings and prayers during evening masses is permitted, except when anticipating Monday on a Sunday evening, keeping with the primacy of Sunday.
- Vestments and Liturgy: White vestments must be used for all Simbang Gabi masses, including those on Sundays, accompanied by the recitation or singing of the Gloria. The Creed is reserved for Sundays only.
- Sunday Regulations: Simbang Gabi masses held on Sundays will use Sunday-proper readings, prayers, white vestments, and include both the Gloria and the Creed. Standard Sunday masses not part of Simbang Gabi will continue to use violet vestments and omit the Gloria.
- Venue Restrictions: Celebrating these masses in chapels, offices, or locations outside recognized parish churches, shrines, chaplaincies, or authorized parish chapels requires explicit permission from the Archbishop of Manila.