Chilly simbang gabi
Posted on December 17, 2008, 11:29 PM under Culture and Tradition, Religious Affairs
It’s becoming colder and colder as Christmas approaches. Goosebumps were all over me when I attended this morning’s simbang gabi at the Saint Joseph church.
I didn’t bring my jacket this morning, thinking that it will be hot anyway since a lot of people will go to church. I was wrong. According to the weather bureau, temperature in Metro Manila this morning was at all time low of 19 degrees Celsius. What more here in Baras?
As expected, masses are held in the church patio. The church couldn’t just accomodate the sudden surge of people attending the mass. For today, it was Fr. Efren Villanueva of Tanay who officiated the mass, swapping with Fr. Rico Hilario.
For those who may be unaware of it, Fr. Rico already holds anticipated masses of simbang gabi inside the church at 8 PM. This started last year. When I dropped by the church for the interview, both rows were fully occupied.
Asked why he’s holding anticipated masses, he said: “Wala din namang akong ginagawa. Last year pa lang, puno na, ngayon puno na din. Para na rin sa mga hindi nakakagising nang maaga, para doon sa mga kailangan maaga umalis. Tsaka mahirap sa labas. Medyo mahamog tapos walang upuan. Uneasy ka kapag nakatayo ng kaunti. Heto medyo solemn, nakaupo, comfortable. You give options to the faithful.”
Entrance to the church may be a little bit challenging if you have your own car. The roads, San Jose and Bonifacio Sts were blocked by steel bars and are manned by barangay tanods. I would want to believe that they’re doing this for a good reason. Masses should be solemn, so we shouldn’t be distracted by noisy vehicles, particularly tricycles.
Outside the church,you will not fail to notice the enterprising Barasenians who sell bibingka, puto bungbong, lugaw, kutsinta, puto, pandesal and even balut.
December 20th, 2008 at 6:10 am
Hi Mr. Carigma,
Thank you for posting such a beautiful picture of our church. I wish this christmast coming, you can post more photos regarding simbang gabi. Na mimiss ko lang kasi ito kasi wala dito sa U.S ng simbang gabi. Last September ng umuwi ako diyan ay sobrang init, buti naman malamig na ngayon.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all Barasenians!!
December 20th, 2008 at 6:24 am
kaka-miss talaga!
December 21st, 2008 at 8:45 pm
THE Philippines, the only Catholic country in Asia, is known in the world to have the longest Christmas celebration. As early as September, Christmas songs are being played in radio stations. Christmas songs remind the Catholics to intensify their love to Jesus. Renew the spirit of Christmas and realize the value of mass during this period.
During the official start of the 9- day traditional “Simbang Gabi” or dawn masses on December 16. It’s their way of requesting blessings from the Lord, as most people believe that if one completes the whole series of nine dawn masses, wishes will be granted. Christmas is both for the poor and the rich. But the rich corrupt leaders eat lechon, adobo with keso de bola etcetera, while many poor Filipino families eat simple food or have nothing to eat at all especially on Christmas day.
Yet, it is better for the poor to eat simple meal as long as they pray together.
Then, there is hope.Merry Christmas !!! by: Bro. Ronald Digma