
First published in Daily Tribune under Anthony Vivero's Vibes and Vision dated December 14, 2009.
Simbang Gabi is a tradition and ritual that is, unfortunately, taken lightly by the faithful. Many do not know this is one of the most powerful traditions of the Catholic faith that should never be missed. The Simbang Gabi ritual can help make dreams and wishes come true.
The nine-day novena must be religiously attended for a wish or intention to come true. But before going into the mystical side of the Simbang Gabi, let us go into the historical facts of this tradition.
Origin
The Simbang Gabi traces its roots to Mexico in 1587, when Fray Diego de Soria was granted by the Pope to hold Christmas mass outdoors because the Church could not accommodate the huge number of people attending the evening mass.
During the olden times, the pre-dawn mass was announced by the ringing of the church bells, to gather the faithful to attend the Misa de Gallo, before the farmers and fishermen would go to work, prior to their prayers for graces and good harvests.
It is also believed that the sacrifice of waking up early and going to mass is a gift to the Child Jesus, a way of manifesting one’s dedication to put Christ ahead of everything.
Now and then
Before, the Church was lit with candles and improvised lanterns; now, Churches are decorated with Christmas lights, from ordinary incandescent bulbs to neon-colored and fancy lighting, making the place more festive, brighter and eye-catching.
Before, members of the choir prepared for the biggest celebration of the year; now, sound systems, from compact discs to I-pods, mp3s and so on, play the music that surrounds the area, though some parishes maintain to the old-fashioned way of choir singing in the background.
After the mass, fishermen and farmers usually took their breakfast of rice cakes, such as suman, bibingka and puto bumbong together with their favorite salabat, kapeng barako and pure hot chocolate. Nowadays, there are coffee shops where you may order your own special concoction of coffee mixes, and bibingkas are now flavored and fancily colored. Parishioners are not all going to farm or fish because many will sleep after a hard day’s night of work or partying.
Before, solemnity was the main atmosphere, now it is the festivities that bring smiles to people’s faces. Before, it was all about spirituality and Jesus, now it is more of commercialism and Santa Claus.

Significance
Over the generations, the Simbang Gabi has experienced several adaptations and transformations. But the essence of the tradition remains the same — it brings strength and closeness among family members and intensifies faith and hope for a better life and better relationship with God.
Mystical/sacred ritual
1. One has to complete the Simbang Gabi at the same hour with which you started. The Simbang Gabi now is celebrated into two masses — one in late evening and another at early dawn. Either of the two is just fine, but the time you attend must be the same for all nine masses.
2. You must have but one wish, to be recited on the nine-day novena before the mass and after the last blessing. Only one wish will be granted, guaranteed, based on my own experience and belief. It must be spoken twice, while in the Church.
3. After the mass, one must go home before going to other places. The trip must be home-church-home or work/other area-church-home.
4. Don’t be late to arrive and never be too early to leave. Arriving in the middle of the mass and leaving before the final blessing will make the novena ineffective.
5. Going to different Churches is immaterial as long one goes home straight from Church.
6. Eating is allowed after the mass, but not before the mass. Coffee and other drinks are just fine as long they are taken 30 minutes before the start of the mass.
7. Write your wish on a piece of paper and seal it, then leave the paper on your altar and burn after completion of the nine-day novena.
8. Wait for the wish to come true in two’s. It can come within two days or two years of the novena.
The secret behind the fulfillment of the wish is the determination, belief and faith that will be shown by the devotee in the nine consecutive days. This is a clear manifestation of one’s desire to achieve what seems impossible, and with the help of the mystical power of the birth of Christ, it can be a reality, sooner than you expect.
One secret tip: If the wish is more than self-serving, then it will be done even before you finish the novena.
Merry Christmas to all of my loved ones, my friends and my readers. To the staff and officers of this publication, may the true spirit of Christ shine upon us always!
Comments and suggestions may be forwarded to anthonyvivero@yahoo.com and anthonyvivero@hotmail.com.
