As the Simbang Gabi season approaches, the Archdiocese of Manila has started coordinating with Local Government Units (LGU) for the guidelines in holding the evening and dawn masses in December.

According to Veritas News, Most Rev. Broderick S. Pabillo, Apostolic Administrator of Manila and Chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines – Episcopal Commission on the Laity, said that the Church is also putting into consideration the order from the government regarding the implementation of the curfew hours.

“Naghihintay kami sa mga Local Government Units (LGUs) especially about the curfew; hinihingi lang namin na gawing 3:30 am ang end of curfew during those days (Simbang Gabi) and no curfew on December 24 evening,” said the Bishop during an interview with Radio Veritas.

Most Rev. Broderick S. Pabillo, Apostolic Administrator of Manila | File Photo of RCAM-AOC

This statement of Bishop Pabillo came after the plea of Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno" Domagoso, Mayor of Manila, regarding the Church’s guidelines for Simbang Gabi last October 14, 2020, on a live video on the city's official Facebook page.

According to the mayor, the city government of Manila is willing to coordinate with the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines to ensure the safety of the faithful from the risk caused by the COVID-19 pand3mic during the observance of Simbang Gabi.

Currently, the implemented curfew hours in Metro Manila are from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM wherein 5 cities, in particular, Manila, Makati, Pasay, Mandaluyong, and San Juan, are within the domain of the Archdiocese.

Simbang Gabi (Evening Mass) and Misa de Gallo (Dawn Mass) are nine-day novena masses in preparation for the Nativity of Jesus which is celebrated on December 25. It starts on December 16 and ends on Christmas Eve, December 24.

The Online Livestreaming of the Holy Masses is continuously being held to compliment public celebration of Holy Mass in the churches in Metro Manila as there are still restrictions being implemented for minors and seniors as part of the quarantine. (Fatima Llanza/RCAM-AOC)