With Christmas fast approaching, the St. John the Evangelist Cathedral in Dagupan City is busy preparing for the start of the Misa de Gallo and Simbang Gabi, as clergy and volunteers begin decorating the church and finalizing plans for the nine-day tradition.

The cathedral will hold two dawn Masses daily for Misa de Gallo, at 4 a.m. and 5:30 a.m., starting December 16.

Meanwhile, Simbang Gabi Masses will begin December 15, also with two schedules, at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

As early as December 4, church workers are adorning the cathedral to bring out the Christmas spirit, while priests prepare reflections they will share with thousands of expected attendees.

The celebration will focus on the theme of hope, in line with the declaration of 2025 as the Jubilee Year with the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.”

“Nakasalalay ‘yung pag-asa natin kay Kristo. And very clear na sinasabi ni St. Paul, if you put your trust in Jesus, hope doesn’t disappoint,” Rev. Msgr. Manuel Bravo Jr., parish priest of St. John the Evangelist Cathedral, said.

The cathedral also issued an early reminder on proper attire during Masses, emphasizing reverence during worship.

“Ang Misa ay pagsamba sa Diyos. Sana manamit tayo properly to encounter, to meet God in the Holy Mass,” Bravo said.

Churchgoers are encouraged to complete all nine days of Simbang Gabi. One devotee from San Carlos City said she is already preparing to attend more consistently this year.

“May time na makakasimba, may time na hindi, [kaya baka] hindi namin makumpleto. [Pero] sana maku-kumpleto namin, pipilitin namin makumpleto,” Jonalea Lalio, a devotee, said.