Thoughts to live by: Beginning of Aguinaldo masses

Readings for the Aguinaldo Mass -- Is. 56:1-3, 6-8; Ps. 67:2-3, 5, 7-8; Jn. 5:33-36.

Some Notes on Aguinaldo Masses

The terms "Misa de Aguinaldo," "Misa de Gallo," and "Simbang Gabi" refer to the nine-day series of Masses that are celebrated in the Philippines in anticipation of Christmas. They are held daily from Dec. 16-24. This "Novena" (9-day series) of Aguinaldo Masses draws from the widespread religious "novena" devotion.

The Aguinaldo Mass is held as early as 2:30 a.m., when the priest celebrates multiple Misa de Aguinaldo in parish chapels. The early hour of the Mass was originally intended to accommodate farmers who started working in the fields before sunrise. It eventually became part of Filipino Advent-Christmas culture.

The three terms, while interchangeable in popular usage, have quite different references. The dawn Mass on Christmas Eve is called "Misa de Gallo" ("Rooster's Mass"). Hence, the term is more specifically used for the final Mass of the Novena, i.e., the dawn Mass of Dec. 24. "Misa Aguinaldo" or "Misa de Aguinaldo" refers to the gift-giving custom of Christmas, since the Spanish word "aguinaldo" means gift. Finally, the term "Simbang Gabi" (Night or Dawn Mass) refers to the pre-dawn darkness of the morning for the Aguinaldo Masses.

Nowadays, an "anticipated" Simbang Gabi for the following morning's dawn Mass is commonly celebrated as early as 6:00 p.m. It is a pastoral accommodation.

The adaptation today of the Advent novena to a dawn Mass format was done in the Archdiocese of Manila, which was established in 1595. The custom then spread to the Visayas and Mindanao. The Spanish clergy sought and obtained permission from the Vatican for the dawn Mass. In the 17th century, a papal indult was granted for the celebration of the dawn Masses, "for the preservation of the Catholic Faith" in the Philippines. However, from 1680 to 1689, the practice was halted temporarily following a decree from the Holy See against the singing of hymns in native languages. The decree was also implemented in Spain, the Azores, and Mexico. But priests in Manila resumed the celebration following the death of the Archbishop of Manila. In 1953, the First Plenary Council of the Philippines petitioned the Holy See to continue the practice of Misa de Gallo. The petition was granted. In 1961, the Vatican granted the continuation of the indult.

Liturgically, the Misa Aguinaldo Mass is a votive Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is celebrated with great joy. The "Gloria" is sung, and white vestments are worn. There is a belief that completion of the nine days merits a special grace requested by the devotee.

Prayer — O God, you willed that at the message of an Angel your Word should take flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Grant that we, who pray to you and believe her to be truly the Mother of God, may be helped by her interceding before you. This we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen (from the Common of the BVM in Advent).