6 o'clock masses among CBCP guidelines for Simbang Gabi amid COVID-19

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines has issued adjustments to the traditional celebration of the Aguinaldo Masses, Misa de Gallo or Simbang Gabi amid the health crisis.

The CBCP, however, noted that the adjustments to the early morning or dawn masses from December 16 to 24 is only during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These adjustments are done because of the great number of mass-goers during the Simbang Gabi, and the limitations in the number of mass-goers due to the strict social distancing demanded by the IATF as a safety protocol in the prevention of the spread of the virus,” CBCP said.

“It is our great desire to help our faithful find spiritual nourishment, which they so desire and need, from the liturgical celebrations of the church during this season in this time of the pandemic,” it added.

Under the guidelines, signed by CBCP president and Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles, the Simbang Gabi may start as early as 6 p.m. for the anticipated mass, while the morning mass can be at 6 a.m.

The CBCP also said bishops, in consultation with the pastors of the parishes and in coordination with the local government units, could schedule more Simbang Gabi masses in different venues which can be large enough to accommodate more people and still observe social distancing.

The CBCP also encouraged the live streaming of the liturgical celebrations for those who will not be able to join the masses physically.

The CBCP said the bishop of the place, in consultation with the Commission on Liturgy and the priests of the diocese, also needs to decide if it is helpful as a pastoral accommodation during this time of the pandemic, the “anticipation” of the following day during evening Simbang Gabi masses will be allowed, with the exception of the “anticipation” of Monday during the evening masses of Sunday.

On Christmas Eve, the CBCP said the Vigil Mass of Christmas may be celebrated from 6 p.m., while the last mass of December 24 will take the liturgy of the midnight mass of Christmas.

The dawn mass of Christmas may also be celebrated early morning of December 25, the CBCP added.

Since the kissing or touching of images is still prohibited, CBCP said families are encouraged to bring their family image of the infant Jesus during the Christmas masses.

“In the midst of the meaningful and popular Filipino symbols of the Advent and Christmas seasons, it is important not to lose sight of the basic components of the celebration, namely the Word of God and Holy Communion,” it said.

“The celebration of Christmas may be different this year. We will not have the same frenzy and stressful preparations that we had before the pandemic. But we pray and help our faithful to see the heart and the essence of the season in the simple, sober, silent but strong and loving truth of the God who comes to us in Jesus’ incarnation.”
-NB, GMA News