Simbang Gabi: It's the mass, not the time

With the start of the Simbang Gabi or dawn masses on Saturday, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas reminded the Catholic faithful that the most important component of the nine-day novena masses is the mass itself and not the "time of the mass."

- EVELYN MACAIRAN

"With focus on the essentials, let us remember that the most important component of Simbang Gabi is not the 'time' in which it is but the parcelebrated ticipation at 'mass.' The key word is 'simba, not 'gabi.' The indispensable part of this nine-day pre-Christmas tradition is the Eucharist," Archbishop Villegas explained in a catechesis.

He added that aside from attending the nineday masses, it would be preferable if the Catholic faithful would receive Holy Communion in preparation for Christmas that commemorates the Birth of Christ.