The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has released guidelines for Churches to observe during the celebration of Simbang Gabi or pre-dawn Masses in accordance with existing health protocols required by the national and local government units (LGUs).
“The celebration of Christmas may be different this year. We will not have the same frenzy and stressful preparations that we had before the pandemic. But we pray and help our faithful to see the heart and the essence of the season in the simple, sober, silent but the strong and loving truth of the God who comes to us in Jesus’ incarnation,” said Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles, CBCP president, in his directive on the celebration of these Masses.
Dated November 27 but released on December 2, the guidelines strongly emphasize the observance of social distancing and other basic safety protocols to help stem the spread of virus.
Valles also recommended that Simbang Gabi can start as early as 6 p.m. while the last Mass the following day can be at 6 a.m.
“The bishop of the place in consultation with the pastors of the parishes and in coordination with the LGU could schedule more Simbang Gabi Masses in different venues which can be large enough to accommodate more people and still observe social distancing,” according to the directive.
It also encourages live streaming of the liturgical celebrations for the faithful who cannot physically attend.
The traditional midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, December 24, may start as early as 6 p.m.
The Christmas Mass on December 25 may also be celebrated early morning, Valles said.
The same directive strictly prohibits the kissing or touching of images but encourages the faithful to bring their family image of the infant Jesus during the Christmas Masses.
“In the midst of the meaningful and popular Filipino symbols of the Advent and Christmas seasons, it is important not to lose sight of the basic components of the celebration, namely the word of God and Holy Communion,” Valles said.