Archdiocese of Manila issues guidance on dawn masses

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December 16, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — In the Archdiocese of Manila (RCAM), aguinaldo mass or Simbang Gabi can start as early as 6 p.m., while the morning mass can begin at 5:30 a.m. for the nine-day novena masses this Christmas season.

Jose Cardinal Advincula of Manila recently issued a circular for clergy members regarding the guidelines for the dawn masses that would run from today up to Dec. 24, while the aguinaldo masses run until Dec. 23.

“As we approach the conclusion of the liturgical year and usher in a new one, we await in joyful hope the celebration of the Nativity of the Lord Jesus. We treasure the Filipino tradition of the nine-day aguinaldo masses in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the expectant mother, ‘for the perseverance of the nation in the faith,’ ” Advincula said.

He added: “As a pastoral accommodation, the ‘anticipation’ of the following day during evening masses will be allowed, except for the anticipation of Monday during Sundays, considering the principle of the primacy of Sunday. During these weekday evening masses, the readings and prayers of the following day may be used (except during Sunday evenings when the Sunday readings and prayers are used).”

Advincula also advised priests, communities and laity that they should get explicit permission from the RCAM if the aguinaldo masses would be celebrated in chapels, offices or places other than the parish church, shrine or chaplaincy.

“The aguinaldo masses celebrated on Sunday will take the prayers and readings of the Sunday, but white vestments are used, and the Gloria and Creed are sung or recited. During the other Sunday masses, which are not aguinaldo/Simbang Gabi masses, violet vestments are used, and the Gloria is not sung or said,” he added.

Palace opens gates for masses

For the fourth consecutive year, Malacañang is opening the Kalayaan grounds to the public for the traditional Simbang Gabi and other family activities starting today.
According to the Palace, the public can attend Simbang Gabi at 4 a.m. from today up to Dec. 24 as part of this year’s “Tara sa Palasyo.”
Apart from the nine-day Simbang Gabi, the public can also enjoy carnival rides from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. and movie nights from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. also at the Kalayaan grounds from today up to Dec. 23.