QC parish to hold candlelit Simbang Gabi for success of papal visit

Starting Tuesday night, a parish in Quezon City will hold candlelit Simbang Gabi (dawn Masses) to pray for the success of Pope Francis' upcoming visit in January.

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines said the Masses at the Holy Family Parish in Roxas district in Quezon City will be held by candlelight.

"In faithfulness to the tradition of the Rorate Mass, the Masses will be held with the solemn festive atmosphere and only in full candle light," it said. Rorate Masses are votive (offered for a special intention) Masses celebrated during Advent.

According to the parish, the Masses are to be offered "for the success of the Papal Visit 2015".

From Dec. 16 to 23, the Rorate Masses will be held at 10 p.m. On Dec. 24, it will be held at 6 p.m.

A midnight Mass will be held at on Dec. 24.

Pope Francis is to visit the Philippines from Jan. 15 to 19. He will have activities in Metro Manila and in Leyte during his visit. — Joel Locsin/BM, GMA News