The Church’s traditional nine-day “Simbang Gabi” (Dawn Masses) leading to Christmas, which will start on Sunday (Dec. 16) is an appropriate time for “a lot of prayers for our country,” according to a ranking Manila archdiocese official. Jerome Secillano, said the faithful should pray for several things—reconciliation, peace, unity, healing and prosperity. Secillano, executive secretary of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’ permanent committee on public affairs, said the Dawn Masses were both a cultural and religious tradition in the Philippines. Masses were usually celebrated at 4 a.m., earning the tradition the name “Misa de Gallo.” Since Masses were being held while it is still dark, they had also come to be known as Simbang Gabi. He said it was wrong to believe that good fortune awaited those who were able to complete the nine-day Masses.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 14, 2018 23:03 UTC