GMA Brandtalk
Tracking
Archives
ADVERTISEMENT
Filtered By: Topstories
News
Simbang Gabi off to festive start, anti-RH bill statement read in some churches
+
Make this your preferred source to get more updates from this publisher on Google.
The traditional "Simbang Gabi" got off to a festive start Sunday as Filipinos went to churches to attend the first of nine predawn Masses leading to Christmas Day.
But in some churches, the homily turned serious as priests read a pastoral letter against the Reproductive Health bill, radio dzBB's Paulo Santos reported.
In Manila, a festive atmosphere surrounded the Quiapo Church as vendors at nearby Plaza Miranda hawked food items such as bibingka (rice cake), puto bumbong, and suman.
At the Binondo district, fireworks were lighted near the Binondo Church in Chinatown while the Mass was going on.
In Quezon City, the report said predawn Masses started as early as midnight at the St. Peter's Church along Commonwealth Avenue.
National Epidemiology Center head Enrique Tayag noted many atend the Simbang Gabi because of the belief their wish would be granted if they attend all nine Masses.
"So many people (are) longing for their wishes fulfilled and awaiting Christ's birth," he said. 
Filipino Catholics streamed into churches nationwide for the annual traditional predawn Masses such as this in Kamuning, Quezon City where churchgoers who could not fit into the church had the option to hear Mass inside the parish gym where video of the Mass is livestreamed on a video wall.
Police kept tight watch over the churches, after reminding churchgoers not to bring jewelry or large sums of money.
The police had also said they would keep watch over homes to make sure burglars do not victimize families attending the predawn Masses. — ELR, GMA News
