Misa de Gallo is more than just a tradition

Every year in the Philippines from December 16 to 24, Catholic churches and some chapels celebrate Misa de Gallo or Simbang Gabi.

The history will tell us that this Misa de Gallo or Simbang Gabi is a novena of Masses in the early morning hours, around 4:00 o’clock, when the roosters start to crow, in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Expectant Mother of God, and in preparation for the commemoration of the birth of our Savior. It is also said that having the Mass at this pre-dawn hour enable workers, mostly fishermen and farmers during the Spanish period, to attend before starting their day. This popular religious custom is considered among the oldest and the most venerable religious tradition in our country and has become so popular among Filipino Catholics all over the world.

Today, this religious tradition is celebrated twice in the pre-morning hours: 3AM and 4:30AM. This is done to accommodate Catholics due to the increasing number of church-goers attending this early dawn Mass.

There is pride in knowing that Catholics flock to the church to commemorate the waiting of Mama Mary and the birth of Her Son Jesus Christ. This is more than just a tradition; this is faith; this is Catholic faith in action.