Tagle discourages holding of Simbang Gabi in malls

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle yesterday discouraged the holding of the traditional nine-day Simbang Gabi (dawn mass) in malls.

The Archdiocese of Manila issued a circular reiterating its call for the faithful to observe and complete the dawn masses, which begin on Dec. 16 and end on Christmas Eve.

“We wish to encourage the practice of Simbang Gabi, whether at dawn or in the evening, because it is a source of spiritual nourishment for our faithful,” Tagle said.

The parochial church is the usual venue for the celebration of the Simbang Gabi. Chapels, recognized within the jurisdiction of the parish church, are given permission to celebrate the Misa de Aguinaldo only with the consent of the parish priest.

Tagle stressed that masses should not be held in shopping centers if they do not have chapels.

“We do not allow Simbang Gabi to be celebrated in hallways or corridors of shopping malls where the celebration of the Holy Eucharist is exposed to shoppers,” he added.