Filipino Catholics celebrate first Simbang Gabi amid COVID-19

Filipinos Catholics gathered in small groups in churches while some had to contend with livestreaming of the first of nine votive masses to hail in the celebration of Christmas amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Jesuit priest, Francis Alvarez began the livestreamed mass attended by more than 4,000 viewers with a reflection on the less colorful and elaborate decorations in the Church of the Gesu.

He also pointed out that church attendance has remained limited while adhering to health protocols such as wearing of masks and maintaining a distance to curb the spread of the disease.

During the first day of the traditional Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo, churches are usually either filled or overflowing with participants and vendors of traditional bibingka and puto bumbong are lined up along the streets.

This year, the churches are half-filled or near empty as many have opted to stay in their homes since the start of the pandemic in mid-March 2020.

"In the prison of our homes during lockdown and quarantine we can find ourselves doubting," Alvarez said in his homily, referring to last week’s Gospel narrative on St. John the Baptist.

He added that one can "permit yourself to doubt but do not stop at doubt."

He pointed out that many Catholics have been unable to receive the sacraments, especially Holy Communion since the start of the pandemic-related lockdowns in March this year but are given a dispensation and encouraged to recite the "Act of Spiritual Communion."

"That is what is so hard about 2020, presence is limited," said Alvarez, adding that more than the sacraments many have also been missing the presence of friends and family.

Alvarez shared that a close friend died last weekend of an aneurysm.

His initial reaction was "Wow, 2020!"

Later on, he learned that Joy, before her death, decided to donate her organs. And her wish was followed.

Joy, Alvarez said, lives in the people whose lives will be extended because of her generosity. "Joy lives on."

In order to cope with the situation, the priest encourages the faithful to "tell stories that testify on presence, help them dispel their doubts."

The Jesuit congregation and many churches in the country set up livestreaming of Simbang Gabi in all social media accounts.  -- BAP, GMA News