Catholics convey gratitude, prayers as Simbang Gabi begins

Many Catholics took the opportunity to offer their petition for 2025 and thanksgiving prayers as the traditional nine-day Misa de Aguinaldo or Simbang Gabi begins.

Mark Salazar, in his Monday report on "24 Oras," said the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help or Baclaran Church is one of the churches where the faithful flocked at attend Simbang Gabi.

It is also one of the churches nationwide where 40,000 Philippine National Police personnel are deployed in line with the observance of Simbang Gabi.

“Ito’y yung magandang dapat natin laging aalalahanin bilang mga Katoliko, na ang Kapaskuhan, this is way more than all the commercial aspect of the celebration of Christmas. The very reason for Christmas celebration is Jesus himself, the gift of God Himself,“ said Fr. Rico John Bilangel, rector of Baclaran Church.

(As Catholics, we should remember that Christmas is way more than all the commercial aspects of the celebration. The very reason for Christmas celebration is Jesus himself, the gift of God Himself.)

The people who heard mass at the Baclaran Church have different stories. Some of them seem to be carrying a heavy burden.

“The very first Christmas was not a joyful celebration. It was not a joyful journey. The Holy Family has their own share of struggles and difficulties, yung paglalakbay patungo sa unang pasko, at yun ay maari nating paghugutan ng lakas at inpirasyon in the midst of personal struggle as well,” Bilangel said.

(The very first Christmas was not a joyful celebration. It was not a joyful journey. The Holy Family has their own share of struggles and difficulties, their journey towards the first Christmas, and that can be our source of strength and inspiration in the midst of personal struggle as well.)

Some churchgoers expressed gratitude for the blessings and miracles they received this year.

“Kumpleto kaming pamilya at ligtas at masagana ngayong darating na pasko (This Christmas, I pray that our family will be complete, safe and bountiful),” Richard said.

Another church-goer, Christian said, “Magkakasama lang po yung pamilya namin at magkabati-bati na po. Last year po kasi nagka probelam eh (I pray that our family will be whole. There was a problem last year)."

Some Catholics pray for their family’s good health and safety, while others, despite experiencing challenges, express their devotion to God.

“Una, nasunugan kami, namatayan ako ng anak. Ang hirap, siyam ang anak ko, sabi ng mga anak ko sa akin ‘nay, papano naman kami na walo pa, eh sa kanya (God) lang ako kumapit,” said Nida Marquez.

(First of all, our house was burned and one of my children died. It’s difficult, but my eight other children told me that they needed me so I held on to God.)

Anticipated Mass will be at 8 p.m. while the Misa de Gallo will be at 4 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. until Dec. 24. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BAP, GMA Integrated News