It’s almost nine days before Christmas and churches would again be filled with people for the Simbang Gabi. Is there any difference between the words Simbang Gabi, Misa de Gallo, and Aguinaldo Masses? I get confuse with these terms.
Hermana Penchang
The traditional Novena Masses held in our country before Christmas has been called any of the three names you have mentioned. One may sound truly Pinoy while the two are Kastilaloy, but in essence they are one and the same.
Simbang Gabi is actually a misnomer because, under the normal circumstances, the Masses are held early in the morning. Perhaps in the olden days, people would identify “umaga” as the presence of light while “gabi” as the absence of light. The Masses are held in the early December mornings when it is still dark or “gabi”. A priest friend once told that he uses this term for the Novena Masses held at night (or what we now call as Anticipated Simbang Gabi) for obvious reasons. Funny though that some churches put up announcements like “Simbang Gabi sa Gabi”.
Misa de Gallo is a much older name. Gallo is the Spanish for “cock/rooster” or “tandang”. Remember the lines of that Christmas carol with the same name? “Misa de Gallo sa simbahan at nagtilaok na ang tandang…”. This term was used because these Masses were celebrated when the cock normally crows – in the early morning or dawn.
Misa de Aguinaldo, is not called as such to honour the first president of the Philippines (who may not have been born yet when the first Misa de Aguinaldo was said), but because aguinaldo is the Spanish equivalent for “gift”. The Mass is itself a gift from God where we receive His body and blood in Holy Communion. It is also our gift to Him for the many blessing He has lavished upon us.
Whatever you call this popular devotion, it boils down to one thing: “Prepare a way for the Lord.” (Matthew 3:3).
Hermana Penchang
The traditional Novena Masses held in our country before Christmas has been called any of the three names you have mentioned. One may sound truly Pinoy while the two are Kastilaloy, but in essence they are one and the same.
Simbang Gabi is actually a misnomer because, under the normal circumstances, the Masses are held early in the morning. Perhaps in the olden days, people would identify “umaga” as the presence of light while “gabi” as the absence of light. The Masses are held in the early December mornings when it is still dark or “gabi”. A priest friend once told that he uses this term for the Novena Masses held at night (or what we now call as Anticipated Simbang Gabi) for obvious reasons. Funny though that some churches put up announcements like “Simbang Gabi sa Gabi”.
Misa de Gallo is a much older name. Gallo is the Spanish for “cock/rooster” or “tandang”. Remember the lines of that Christmas carol with the same name? “Misa de Gallo sa simbahan at nagtilaok na ang tandang…”. This term was used because these Masses were celebrated when the cock normally crows – in the early morning or dawn.
Misa de Aguinaldo, is not called as such to honour the first president of the Philippines (who may not have been born yet when the first Misa de Aguinaldo was said), but because aguinaldo is the Spanish equivalent for “gift”. The Mass is itself a gift from God where we receive His body and blood in Holy Communion. It is also our gift to Him for the many blessing He has lavished upon us.
Whatever you call this popular devotion, it boils down to one thing: “Prepare a way for the Lord.” (Matthew 3:3).
***
December 18 is marked as a Day of Prayer for Expectant Mothers. As we accompany the Blessed Mother in preparing for Christ’s Birth, let us entrust to her all pregnant mothers. May they deliver their babies safely and nurture them to become better citizens of the world and of heaven.
No comments:
Post a Comment