The Spanish influence on Cebu is evident in the cultural and heritage sites you can find all around the island. In addition, the churches in each town and city in Cebu also point to the religious influence of the Spaniards on the Cebuanos. This influence is more pronounced when the Christmas season comes. During this season, Cebuanos wake up before the crack of dawn to attend the nine-day Misa de Gallo.
Misa de Gallo – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon
Misa de Gallo
The Misa de Gallo or Rooster’s Mass is also called Simbang Gabi. It is also known as the Misa de los Pastores or Shepherd’s Mass. This is a series of masses attended by Roman Catholics in preparation for Christmas. It is also in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The practice is similar to the nine-day dawn masses prior to Christmas practiced in Puerto Rico. It is a part of the spiritual preparation of the faithful for the birth of Jesus Christ. Every year, millions of Roman Catholic Filipinos wake up before the sun rises and troop to the different churches all over the archipelago. The Misa de Gallo masses start on December 16 with the last mass held on December 24. Its popularity has reached a point where some malls in the country also hold Misa de Gallo masses.
The Misa de Gallo or Rooster’s Mass is also called Simbang Gabi. It is also known as the Misa de los Pastores or Shepherd’s Mass. This is a series of masses attended by Roman Catholics in preparation for Christmas. It is also in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The practice is similar to the nine-day dawn masses prior to Christmas practiced in Puerto Rico. It is a part of the spiritual preparation of the faithful for the birth of Jesus Christ. Every year, millions of Roman Catholic Filipinos wake up before the sun rises and troop to the different churches all over the archipelago. The Misa de Gallo masses start on December 16 with the last mass held on December 24. Its popularity has reached a point where some malls in the country also hold Misa de Gallo masses.
Misa de Gallo – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon
This practice in the Philippines started when priests decided to celebrate masses early in the morning during Christmas to cater to the needs of the farmers. It was a compromise to the farmers who had to wake up early in the morning to work on their fields to avoid the noontime heat. Despite working the whole day, these farmers still attended mass, especially during the Christmas season when novena masses are held.
Misa de Gallo – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon
Misa de Gallo in Cebu
Roman Catholics in Cebu also wake up very early in the morning to attend the Misa de Gallo. Churches all around the island are filled to the seams with the faithful. This is especially true at the start of the nine-day novena masses. Since the churches tend to become full and seats will be hard to come by, some people would bring their own foldable chairs or stools so they have something to sit on during the mass.
Roman Catholics in Cebu also wake up very early in the morning to attend the Misa de Gallo. Churches all around the island are filled to the seams with the faithful. This is especially true at the start of the nine-day novena masses. Since the churches tend to become full and seats will be hard to come by, some people would bring their own foldable chairs or stools so they have something to sit on during the mass.
Misa de Gallo – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon
Attending the Misa de Gallo is a sacrifice many Cebuanos are willing to make. While they still have to go to work during the day, they are still willing to wake up early in the morning and attend mass. Some believe that completing the nine-day Misa de Gallo masses will result to an aspiration being fulfilled. There are others who want to complete the novena so they can prepare for the birth of our Lord.
Misa de Gallo – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon
This practice has been passed on from one generation to the next. Contrary to what some believe, this tradition is still very popular. It is not surprising to see whole families attending the Misa de Gallo. There are also some groups of friends who attend these masses together. Some malls also hold their own version of the Misa de Gallo, which is celebrated on the night before the nine-day novena begins.
Misa de Gallo – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon
Misa de Gallo Schedules
The Misa de Gallo nine-day novena series of masses start on December 16 with the last mass celebrated on the morning of December 24. The following are the schedules of Misa de Gallo masses in Cebu City:
The Misa de Gallo nine-day novena series of masses start on December 16 with the last mass celebrated on the morning of December 24. The following are the schedules of Misa de Gallo masses in Cebu City:
Misa de Gallo – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon
Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral – 4:30 AM
Basilica Minore del Santo Nino de Cebu – 4:30 AM
St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish – 4:30 AM
Carmelite Monastery – 4:30 AM
Asilo de la Milagrosa Church – 4:30 AM
Redemptorist Church – 5:00 AM
Basilica Minore del Santo Nino de Cebu – 4:30 AM
St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish – 4:30 AM
Carmelite Monastery – 4:30 AM
Asilo de la Milagrosa Church – 4:30 AM
Redemptorist Church – 5:00 AM
Misa de Gallo – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon
The Misa de Gallo is one of the lasting influences of the Spaniards on the Filipinos. Aside from strengthening our faith, it also teaches us to make small sacrifices that may result in something good in the future.
Misa de Gallo – image source: courtesy of Peter Parcon
How many times were you able to complete all nine masses in the Misa de Gallo? Tell us about it in the comments section below.
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