Origin of the Advent Novena/Simbang Gabi Tradition
Two traditions concerning the Mass/Masses to usher in the event of Christ's birth developed in the early course of our history. A number of countries in Europe like Austria, Belgium, Germany, Hungary and Poland came to celebrate this Mass every day - four weeks during Advent. A second tradition developed in the Latin church. The countries celebrated the "Misa Aurea" on the nine days before Christmas.
The original Advent Novena/Simbang Gabi was thus called the "Misa Aurea" (golden mass) or "Angel's Mass." In 1587, Fray Diego Soria, Prior of the convent of San Agustin Acolman, petitioned the Pope for permission to hold Christmastide masses outdoors because the church could not accommodate the multitude that attended the services. The request was granted through a rescript. And in the 17th Century, the Misa Aguinaldo or the Simbang Gabi or the Misa de Gallo became a Filipino spiritual tradition.
This novena of Masses expressed the sentiments of the people toward Mary and manifested the Filipino rite of celebrating LIFE in more festive ways. The readings, the prayers and the chants of the Simbang Gabi or Advent Novena, made it clear that it is a celebration of the mystery of the Incarnation of the Father's eternal word - the fruit of Mary's womb.
Simbang Gabi/Advent Novena Masses were celebrated in the early morning hours, when the roosters crow to announce the coming of a new day (hence, the name Misa de Gallo) for a very practical reason: many Filipinos were farmers or fishermen who either began or ended their working day at dawn. Workers in the field began their work at the crack of dawn to avoid the intense heat and take advantage of the capacity of the carabao to work in the early morning. Fishermen who spent all night at sea came home to sell their yield at dawn.
The missionaries decided they could gather all the people together at one time, implant in the hearts and minds of the catechumens the substance to Christianity, preserve the Catholic Faith, and continue propagation of the Gospels by integrating a distinctly Filipino custom with the needs of Catholic worship. Thus at the first sound of dawn, the local band played traditional Christmas carols all over town or the sacristan mayor pealed the bells and the whole town was up for Simbang Gabi. The entire family would walk or ride their carabao sleds to the nearest church. By 5:00 a.m. the Mass and accompanying catechism were over and celebration continued with a variety of delicacies displayed in the churchyard for everyone's pleasure and lighted lanterns fashioned of bamboo and paper (parol) hanging from windows and decorating the church.
The roots of Simbang Gabi are almost all but forgotten now. However, the fascination of going to church (at dawn, in order to start the new day with worship), is as strong as ever among the Filipinos. For the children, it announces that Christmas is just around the corner. For most, the practice has acquired its own smell and flavor, and spiritual significance distinct from any time of the year. The Filipino immigrants brought this tradition with them when they came to the United States. Since the cold December weather makes it impractical to hold the celebration at dawn, local parishes have the celebration at night. Some hardy souls have re-instituted the celebration at dawn again like here at St. Brendan Church. While the form of the celebration has changed, the substance remains.
Coordinators:
Lui Villanueva (213) 251-9996
Merci Javier outreachpr@yahoo.com
