The Archdiocese of Cebu will celebrate this year the traditional early morning “Misa de Gallo,” or “Mass of the Rooster,” in the evening.
The Catholic Bishop’s Conference of the Philippines has issued an advisory that traditional pre-dawn Christmas Masses can be celebrated in the evening to follow health protocols due to the pandemic.
The bishops’ conference urged local churches to celebrate “Simbang Gabi” as “Misa De Gallo” so that more people can attend the novena Masses without crowding the churches.
“The general rule as of the moment is the evening Mass prior to the Aguinaldo Mass may be celebrated as an Aguinaldo Mass, meaning in memory of the Blessed Virgin Mary with white vestments and the Gloria,” explained Archbishop Jose Palma of Cebu.
“I think people would like that, there will be more joyful mood,” said the prelate.
On December 19, Saturday, the Mass will remain an anticipated Mass for the Sunday’s liturgy, which will use the advent liturgical celebration.
Aside from December 19, all evening anticipated Masses will be celebrated as a “Misa de Gallo.”
The Cebu City government, meanwhile, said it will not require residents to bring their quarantine passes if they will attend the “Misa de Gallo.”
“What’s important is we observe the minimum health requirements,” said Mayor Edgardo Labella of Cebu.
He also announced that curfew hours in the city will be shortened to between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. from the present 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. to accommodate residents attending early morning Masses.
Governor Gwendolyn Garcia of Cebu has requested church leaders to limit the capacity of the venue of the celebrations and for everyone to observe minimum health requirements.
