By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
The Diocese of Bacolod revealed yesterday that they will implement several adjustments for the early morning masses or “Simbang Gabi” which is set to begin next week, December 16.
In a radio interview, Reverend Fr. Henry Donasco, director of the diocese’s Commission on Liturgy, said even before the pandemic the “Simbang Gabi” is normally scheduled from 4:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.
However, Diocese of Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon has allowed two mass schedules, 3:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
Other churches in the city are given the option to have only one early morning mass schedule, although they can start their “Simbang Gabi” by the evening of December 15 until December 23 scheduled at 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
There will be no evening masses at the San Sebastian Cathedral as they will observe two early morning masses.
Fr. Donasco also revealed that they are coordinating with the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, and the Bacolod City Police Office requesting them to deploy their personnel in order to assist in controlling the crowds, especially as physical distancing must still be observed.
Fr. Donasco also made an appeal to parents not to bring their babies or toddlers to church if possible, pointing out that even though both Negros Occidental and Bacolod City are now at Alert Level 2, they still have to make sure that basic health protocols will still be observed.
“Simbang Gabi” or Misa de Gallo is a long standing Christmas tradition in the Philippines observed for nine days and culminates on Christmas Eve, December 24./DGB, WDJ