Simbang Gabi

St. Catherine of Siena Simbangabi Masses
sponsored by the San Lorenzo Ruiz Community
December 16th - 24th 6 AM - 7 AM

Simbang Gabi is a devotional nine-day series of dawn masses on the days leading up to Christmas. It starts on December 15 through December 23. This tradition was introduced in the Philippines by the Spanish friars in the 1600s. It allows farmers to celebrate Mass before going to work. Masses can start as early as 4:00 o’clock in the morning. Simbang Gabi is also known by its Spanish name Misa de Gallo or "Rooster’s Mass.'' Over the years, Filipino communities have made adjustments to when it is celebrated. Some parishes now celebrate Simbang Gabi around 6:00 or 7:00 o’clock in the evening, to accommodate different schedules of community members.