Simbang Gabi: Christmas Novena Mass

Simbang Gabi is a tradition here in the Philippines where there is Christmas Novena Mass for 9 days. This is a nine day Roman Catholic ritual novena starts on December 16 and ends on December 24. Usually Simbang Gabi starts early as 4 or 5 in the morning. However, some parish churches has anticipated Simbang Gabi that starts at 7 or 8 in the evening. The last day of the Simbang Gabi is Christmas Eve is also called Misa de Gallo. (Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simbang_Gabi).

Simbang Gabi is passed on by the Spaniard regime of their colonization of 333 years here in the Philippines. It is a tradition that Filipinos have during the Christmas season. It is also the start of the long Christmas celebrations in the Philippines to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day until The Three Kings.

It is believed that if a church goer during the Simbang Gabi will complete the 9 Christmas Novena Mass straight from December 15 or 16 to December 24. The wish of the church goer will come true. I have tried it and some prayers were answered right away and some prayers were not answered but there is always a purpose in life.

There is always a reason for everything. Keep the faith. Let's attend the Simbang Gabi and wish that all our wishes come true.