ILOILO City – Churches under the Archdiocese of Jaro are all set for the nine-day traditional predawn Masses beginning tomorrow, Dec. 16, amid the easing of mobility restrictions brought by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
The same health protocols, particularly social distancing and installation of hand sanitizers at the churches’ entrances, would be enforced, according to Reverend Father Angelo Colada, director of social communications of the Archdiocese of Jaro.
“Ma-add man kita sang Masses,” Colada told Panay News.
He added that churches, especially those in remote areas, may adjust their number of Masses and schedules.
Masses, which will last until Dec. 24, can also be held in covered courts or barangay halls.
For the elderly and persons with comorbidities, they can hear Masses online, said Colada.
Why is it important to complete the nine-day Masses?
“Ang nine days nga novena mass naga-imbitar sa aton sa pagpamalandong kag pagpreparar sa pagkatawo sang aton Ginoo. Mas maayo gid kon makasimba kita kag ma-complete naton,” Colada said.
Colada clarified that completing it does not necessarily guarantee an answer to wishes.
“Kon ihatag sa aton ang wish, salamat. Ang pagpangamuyo depende sa kaalam sang Dios kon ihatag sa aton,” Colada said.
“Simbang Gabi” has been a yearly routine of an elderly from Cabatuan, Iloilo.
“Halin sang una nagasimba gid ako. Lain gid kon makasimba. Nagabugtaw gid gani ako sang aga para maka-agto lang sa simbahan,” Celedonia Camacho told Panay News.
She’s not particular in making wishes after completing the nine-day Masses, although she always prayed for good health.
A seminarian from New Lucena, Iloilo also shared his thoughts.
“They say on the first day of the ‘Simbang Gabi,’ you utter your wish to the Lord, and when you complete this nine-day novena without fail, your wish would be granted. This belief is not baseless because what we offer is not just a mere devotion or some popular piety but the highest form of worship and prayer, The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass,” said Kim Cayod-ong in an interview with Panay News.
He added: “Aside from the Mass being the highest form of prayer and worship we can offer to God, attendance to ‘Simbang Gabi’ reflects our dire and profound anticipation for the coming of Christ Jesus. Waking up early at dawn or setting aside our duties to attend Mass at night are signs of our love for God.”
Completing the Mass also shows the Catholic faithful’s “eagerness to receive the Lord and faithfulness to our Catholic Faith, a sign of gratitude for all the graces we have received,” Cayod-ong furthered.
Joan of Barangay Ungka, Jaro district agreed.
“Gina-complete ko gid ‘na ang akon nga nine days kay feeling ko gina-bless ako ni Lord,” she said.
For Joan, getting up early every morning is a little sacrifice compared to the blessings she receives.
Joan said she would complete the nine days of worship together with her parents./PN
