Simbang Gabi -- A Prayer of Thanksgiving for the Faith

Today, the Philippine Church starts its age-old tradition of Simbang Gabi, otherwise known as the Misa de Aguinaldo. This tradition of holding Masses at the early hours of the morning for nine days is distinctly Filipino.

As we celebrate with joyful anticipation Christ's Birth, our Bishops have asked us to offer these Masses as our prayer of Gratitude to God for the great gift of the Faith. The Bishops likewise admonish us, to pray for the preservation of the Faith among our people. Our faith has been harassed and is continued to be harassed by the world's culture of secularism, materialism, and apathy.

Let us therefore suppliantly beg the Lord, in His generosity and mercy, to bless us and our country, most especially in this time of crisis and uncertainty, that we as a people will remain fervent in our faith. May Mary, the Patroness of the Philippine Islands, join us and assist us with her prayers.