- Feb 5, 2002
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As frequent readers of CS may know, I regularly travel to the Middle East. And that’s where I was for this year’s Advent and Christmas seasons.
And this year I was privileged to assist with the Simbang Gabinovena during my stay. With so many Filipinos in the Middle East, these Masses are now quite widespread and well-attended
Simbang Gabi is Tagalog and translates to “Night Masses.” This tradition, from the Philippines, consists of nine masses celebrated over the nine days prior to Christmas, held either very early in the morning before the sun rises or in the evening.
The practice dates to the 17th century and has several interesting features. Although the celebration takes place in Advent, the liturgy is celebrated with white vestments (instead of purple). The Gloria is also sung at every Mass.
These privileges are in honor of the joy of Christ’s birth. As Filipinos left their country for work or study, they brought the tradition with them. Today, this Mass tradition is quite widespread and well-attended.
This past Christmas, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, celebrated two Simbang Gabimasses in Dubai. The Cardinal was on an apostolic visit to the region, thousands of Catholics attended the Masses. Over 30,000 Catholics even attended the second evening Mass!
Continued below.
And this year I was privileged to assist with the Simbang Gabinovena during my stay. With so many Filipinos in the Middle East, these Masses are now quite widespread and well-attended
Simbang Gabi is Tagalog and translates to “Night Masses.” This tradition, from the Philippines, consists of nine masses celebrated over the nine days prior to Christmas, held either very early in the morning before the sun rises or in the evening.
The practice dates to the 17th century and has several interesting features. Although the celebration takes place in Advent, the liturgy is celebrated with white vestments (instead of purple). The Gloria is also sung at every Mass.
These privileges are in honor of the joy of Christ’s birth. As Filipinos left their country for work or study, they brought the tradition with them. Today, this Mass tradition is quite widespread and well-attended.
This past Christmas, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, celebrated two Simbang Gabimasses in Dubai. The Cardinal was on an apostolic visit to the region, thousands of Catholics attended the Masses. Over 30,000 Catholics even attended the second evening Mass!
A Different Situation
Continued below.
