December 16 ------ Many Filipino Catholic faithful trooped to churches early Monday morning for the start of the traditional nine-day Simbang Gabi. In Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, groups of relatives, couples, and friends attended the mass around 4:30 a.m., according to a report of James Agustin on GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita.
Juniz Tumlos and her three kids woke up early to attend the first mass of Simbang Gabi. According to her, they want to complete the nine days of Simbang Gabi and pray for the health of their family. “Gusto lang po talaga namin taon-taon na makompleto. Para sa pamilya ko po na lagi silang safe at saka malayo sa sakit,” she said. Meanwhile, Kyle Jeshon went to church with his friends and bonded with them during Simbang Gabi. “For wishes na rin po namin sa mga kaniya-kaniya po naming buhay,” he said.
In his homily, Manila Archbishop Jose F. Cardinal Advincula reminded the congregation to avoid selfishness. “May kahirapan sa mundo natin dahil marami ang madamot marami ang makasarili. Hayaan natin tanglawan tayo ng liwanag ni Hesus, maging liwanag tayo sa mundo nating puno ng kadiliman,” he said.
Meanwhile in Quiapo Church, the chapel was also packed with people who keep the tradition of Simbang Gabi alive. Devotees of “Jesus Nazareno” prayed for thanksgiving and their wishes. “Basta lang naman po pangkabuhayan lang po na maayos lang para sa pamumuhay lang po,” Eloisa Sebastian said. “Maging healthy lang po 'yung baby ko (I just want my baby to be healthy),” Celine Sulit said. Many church goers bought and ate puto bumbong and bibingka outside the church during Simbang Gabi. Puto bumbong costs P40 to P85 while bibingka costs P70. “Medyo malakas po at medyo maaga rin po kami sa pagluluto ng bibingka. Bale 'yung kikitain din dito para rin sa mga anak ko rin po para sa pag-aaral nila,” vendor Joaquin Guzman said.
The Philippine National Police deployed 41,000 police officers nationwide as part of its Ligtas Paskuhan Deployment Plan for Simbang Gabi 2024 or Misa de Gallo.
Source: gmanetwork.com
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