CBCP tells Catholics: Dawn Masses not for courtship

MANILA, Philippines - Church officials are warning Catholics against using dawn Masses for trysts with boyfriends and girlfriends or to trawl for prospective partners.

“The Simbang Gabi or dawn Masses (are) a venue for worship, not courtship,” Fr. Gerry Patio and the associate editors of the Theological Centrum Documentation Service said.

The statement was posted on the CBCPNews website, the official news service provider of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), apparently to remind the public, particularly the youth, to observe proper decorum while attending the Simbang Gabi.

The Church officials said the nine-day Simbang Gabi that starts on Dec. 16 and culminates with the Christmas Eve Mass to welcome the birth of Jesus Christ, should not be used as a venue for courtship, as it has been observed that some churchgoers have turned the church into a place for social gatherings where they can meet prospective boyfriends or girlfriends.

Church leaders said they have noticed an increase in the number of those attending Simbang Gabi and some parishes are now holding two or three dawn masses and anticipated Simbang Gabi Masses to accommodate the request of parishioners.

The CBCPNews added that the Simbang Gabi is not just a Christmas tradition but also “a time where our faith is intensified.”

The publication also discusses Catholic faith and morals and has dedicated two of its monthly issues on the topics of Advent and Christmas.  – Evelyn Macairan