ILOILO City — The traditional Misa de Aguinaldo, a series of nine-day votive masses leading to Christmas, begins today, December 16, drawing Roman Catholic devotees to churches across Western Visayas.
In the Archdiocese of Jaro in Iloilo City, churches are ready to welcome devotees, according to Reverend Father Angelo Colada, director of the archdiocese’s Social Communication Office.
“This is a yearly tradition that our faithful look forward to. The churches are decorated to reflect the ambiance of waiting and expectation, culminating in the belen portraying the birth of Jesus,” Colada told Panay News.
The Misa de Aguinaldo runs until December 24.
Separately, some larger churches, such as the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral, have also been holding the “Evening Mass of Waiting” (Simbang Gabi) from December 15 to December 23.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Philippine National Police (PNP), are coordinating closely with church officials to ensure the safety and security of churchgoers.
Security measures have been put in place around churches to maintain peace and order.
Meanwhile, the Archdiocesan Commission on Liturgy has issued guidelines to differentiate the liturgical celebrations of the “Evening Masses of Waiting” and Misa de Aguinaldo.
Evening Masses of Waiting
* The readings and prayers follow the Mass of the day, except Saturdays, which serve as anticipated Masses for Sunday liturgy.
* These are not anticipated masses for the next day’s Misa de Aguinaldo.
* The Gloria is omitted, though the Misa Pastoril de Jaro may be sung.
* Priests wear violet vestments, and Christmas songs are not permitted.
Misa de Aguinaldo
* The readings and prayers follow the formularies for the Blessed Virgin Mary in Advent, as outlined in the Roman Missal or its local Hiligaynon translation.
* The Gloria is sung, and the Misa Pastoril de Jaro is performed with great solemnity.
* Priests wear white vestments.
Colada reminded the faithful to reflect on the Word of God during these masses and not merely attend to complete the nine days.
“Let us make this Christmas a time to bring hope to everyone by sharing our blessings with the less fortunate,” he said./PN
