Welcome everyone to the church, says Cardinal Advincula

On the first day of the nine-day Misa de Gallo or Simbang Gabi dawn Masses, Manila Archbishop Jose F. Cardinal Advincula urged people to welcome those who want to be part of the church.

He has a simple message, the prelate said in his homily delivered at the Manila Cathedral early Tuesday morning, that everyone has a place in the church.

"Ang Simbang Gabi ay isang makahulugang tradisyon sa Katolikong Pilipino. Sa loob ng siyam na araw, ihahanda natin ang sarili sa pagdating ng ating Tagapagligtas," the Cardinal said.

(Simbang Gabi is a meaningful tradition among Filipino Catholics. For nine days we prepare ourselves for the arrival of our Savior.)

"Habang papalapit ang Pasko, nakikipaglakbay tayo kay Maria at hinihiling ang palaging tulungan tayong tanggapin ang kanyang Anak sa ating puso," he added.

(As Christmas approaches, we journey with Mary and ask her to always help us welcome her Son into our hearts.)

He underscored that people should know that everyone has a place in the Church. People who are entering the Church for the first time are warmly welcomed. Those who have been away from the Church and choose to return are wholeheartedly welcomed too. And so it is for those who carry a burden or are heartbroken, the archbishop said.

"Ang simbahan ay hindi lamang sa nag-aakalang karapat-dapat," said Advincula.

(The church is not just for those who think they deserve to be there.)

People who want to join the church and follow Christ should be welcomed, he reiterated.

He said that people tend to shun those who cause pain or we accept only those who agree with us.

This attitude will only cause more division and people will feel isolated that they will tend to stop going to church or hearing Mass, the archbishop said.

"There are times that our world is small because we protect ourselves, but the heart of God is not small. God wants everyone to be near Him," the prelate said in Filipino.

"Let us ask that our hearts open our hearts that we may become a united church... that reflects the love of Jesus Christ," he added.

Simbang Gabi Masses are also being held in other churches in Metro Manila and provinces.

READ: Simbang Gabi 2025 Mass schedule in Metro Manila churches

READ: 2025 Simbang Gabi Mass schedule of major churches around PH

— BAP/KG, GMA Integrated News