MANILA, Philippines – For nine consecutive days before Christmas, Catholic churches light up for traditional evening or dawn Masses known as Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo.
Catholics flock to their local churches each day until December 24, Christmas Eve, to observe this Christmas tradition. The nine days of Simbang Gabi symbolize the nine months when Mary carried Jesus in her womb.
In Rappler’s faith chat room, community members shared photos of their Simbang Gabi experience. Here are some of the photos submitted to Rappler:
Saint Francis Xavier Parish in Alegria, Cebu. Photo by the Archdiocese of Cebu via Rappler’s faith chat roomKristong Hari Parish in Dasmariñas, Cavite. Photo by Kent Justine M. Miranda via Rappler’s faith chat roomImmaculate Conception Cathedral Parish in Virac, Catanduanes. Photo by Shei La via Rappler’s faith chat roomOur Lady of Peñafrancia GKK Chapel in Buhangin, Davao City. Photo by Nic via Rappler’s faith chat roomSaint Peter of Alcantara Parish, also known as the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Turumba, in Pakil, Laguna. Photo by TMM/Turumba Shrine Parish of Saint Peter of Alcantara shared via Rappler’s faith chat roomSaint Francis of Assisi Parish Church in General Trias City, Cavite. Photo by Dennis Abrina via Rappler’s faith chat roomSaint Joseph Shrine along Aurora Boulevard in Quezon City conducts its “AmBag ng Pasko” gift-giving activity during the nine-day Simbang Gabi. RapplerDiocesan Shrine and Parish of Saint Joseph, commonly known as Las Piñas Church or Bamboo Organ Church. RapplerOur Lady of Pillar Cathedral in Imus, Cavite. RapplerImmaculate Conception Cathedral of Cubao in Quezon City. Photo courtesy of Lisa Marie David/ReutersImmaculate Conception Cathedral of Cubao in Quezon City. Photo courtesy of Lisa Marie David/ReutersCatholic Bishop Honesto Ongtioco presides over the first of the nine-day dawn Mass, known as Misa de Gallo, at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Cubao on December 16, 2024. Photo courtesy of Lisa Marie David/Reuters
