FILE PHOTO: The Nativity scene at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Cubao, Quezon City, beckons as Catholic churches across the country open their doors for the start of the nine-day “Simbang Gabi,” or dawn Masses, on Thursday under more relaxed COVID-19 restrictions. INQUIRER/NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
MANILA, Philippines — The observance of this year’s Simbang Gabi (Night/Dawn Mass) was generally peaceful with no major untoward incident recorded, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday.
PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said in a statement that the night masses held in Catholic churches across the country — usually late in the night or early in the morning — were held regularly except for areas affected by Typhoon Odette (international name; Rai) recently.
“No major untoward incidents were reported by the Police Regional Offices in their respective areas of responsibility,” he said.
“Except for the catastrophic effects of Supertyphoon Odette during the opening days of the Misa de Gallo, the traditional novena masses this year were generally peaceful,” he added.
According to Carlos, the peaceful celebration of the masses was largely due to the cooperation between the clergy, local government units, and police stations that were tasked not only to maintain peace and order but to ensure that public health and safety protocols against COVID-19 were observed.
“The cooperation and support among the police, clergy, local governments, and civilian volunteers made this possible, including the observance of minimum public health standards,” Carlos explained.
The Simbang Gabi is a tradition among Filipino Catholics, wherein the faithful attend masses for nine straight days — hence a novena — in remembrance of Jesus Christ’s arrival into the world.
Catholics believe that if one completes the nine masses, which start from December 16 up to the Christmas Eve Misa de Gallo, their wish would be granted.
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