By Jerome Toledo
As the cold breeze rolls day and night and swings the hanging bright lanterns, what does the Advent season mean for Catholics in feeling the warmth of Christmas in the middle of a pandemic?
"My faith in God grew stronger even though I have so many questions in mind. I know everything happens for a reason. In God’s perfect time, I’ll know"
The most wonderful time of the year is among us and Simbang Gabi (Night Mass) is part of the Philippines’ long Christmas tradition which starts as early as September and concludes at the end of January. But, the celebration of the birth of Christ has witnessed a tremendous shift as the world withstands the prevailing global pandemic.
With the easing of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) health protocols and the use of alert levels in the Philippines, what preparations have Catholic churches in the country made so far for the Advent season and what does it mean for the faith of the Catholics?
The Advent season in the pandemic
The pandemic in the Philippines continues to improve as the Department of Health (DOH) reported a steady decrease of new cases of COVID-19 decreased from November 22 to December 5, which puts the country at a minimal risk classification. Following the downtrend in COVID-19 cases, most parts of the country remain at Alert Level 2 but victory could not be declared just yet with the looming threat of the new COVID-19 variant Omicron.
Under Alert Level 2, in-person religious gatherings including the Simbang Gabi are now allowed albeit with a certain number of persons allowed indoors and wearing face masks. Even with these restrictions, local Catholic churches expect a massive influx of church attendees. Divine Mercy Parish Biluso Silang Cavite Vicariate Coordinator Nancy De La Cruz Carlos, shared the preparations of the church and strict compliance to Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) protocols.
“Before the Simbang Gabi, there were meetings and consultations with the pastoral councils on how we will go with the Simbang Gabi and Misa de Gallo. Strict compliance with the IATF protocols & adherence through the guidelines, as to what is the status,” Carlos said.
In line with the preparations, Divine Mercy Parish Church strictly follows the health safety protocols with stationed thermal scanners and disinfectants, facemask requirements, and social distancing.
Compared to the Simbang Gabi celebrations in 2020 where churches were allowed 30% seating capacity, this year’s Simbang Gabi had seen significant adjustments. Despite the ease in health protocols and restrictions, Carlos explained why church attendees must not be complacent even with the development of vaccines.
“Safety is always given topmost concern. Safety protocols are being implemented and strictly followed. Do not be complacent with the notion [that] you will not get infected with the virus once you are vaccinated, it is not a guarantee. Self-discipline is given importance,” she emphasized.
Aside from the preparations that the local church has made, Carlos also clarified what should be kept in mind and heart in attending the Simbang Gabi. The completion of the nine-day Simbang Gabi is believed to grant one’s wishes to God, but the Simbang Gabi means more than that.
“Ang Simbang Gabi ay paghahanda sa paggunita ng Kapanganakan ng Dakilang Manunubos. Ang pagdalo sa Banal na Misa ay pagpapalago ng pananampalataya ng mga tao,” (Night mass is a preparation in remembering the birth of the great redeemer. Attending the Holy Mass is a cultivation of faith) Carlos explained.
A test of devotion
The pandemic has been a dreadful journey for the faith of the Filipino. Many grieved for their loved ones while are still holding on to their faith in God despite encountering hurdles along the way.
With only a little ounce of hope and faith, Mary Jean Saquilayan, a Divine Mercy Parish Church volunteer, recalled how the pandemic tested her faith in God and shared what Simbang Gabi meant for her. Saquilayan remembered her journey in recovering from COVID last August.
“Yes, COVID patient po ako last August 2021. Nine days po ako sa Silang Specialist Medical Center (SSMC), at tatlong beses ako na- quarantine ng 14 days,” Saquilayan said.
(Translation: Yes, I was a COVID patient last August 2021. I stayed nine days in Silang Specialist Medical Center (SSMC) and I quarantined for 14 days thrice.)
As Saquilayan remembered her battle against the virus, she also shared her heartfelt lessons and how they helped strengthen her relationship with God.
“Ang buhay natin ay hiram lang, sa isang kisap mata maaring mawala tayo dito sa mundo. Mas tumibay ang kapit ko sa Diyos kahit na marami akong tanong. Alam ko nangyari ang lahat dahil may dahilan. In God’s perfect time, malalaman ko [rin],” she expressed.
(Translation: Our life is only borrowed from God, in one blink of an eye, we could be gone from this world. My faith in God grew stronger even though I have so many questions in mind. I know everything happens for a reason. In God’s perfect time, I’ll know.)
Aside from her confinement, Saquilayan said her faith grew stronger after her two family members died from COVID. She added that these “tests” became an opportunity for her relationship with God to grow stronger than ever.
“Mas kumapit ako sa Diyos, dasal ng rosary, chaplet, attend ng live stream (Mass) sa Facebook,” she said.
(Translation: I held on to God. I prayed the rosary, chaplet, attended the live stream mass on Facebook.)
Despite the life-changing struggles that she endured, Saquilayan remained hopeful as she shared her learnings as a church volunteer and highlighted what the Christmas season truly means.
“As [a] volunteer, walang sweldo 'di ba? Maglingkod ng taos puso, ‘wag pakitang tao. Diyos ang magbabalik ng siksik na biyaya,” she emphasized.
(Translation: As a volunteer, there's no salary right? Serve wholeheartedly, don't be pretentious. God will return it with full of blessings.)
“Ang Pasko ay pag-ibig ng Diyos sa ating lahat,” she added.
(Translation: Christmas is the love of God to us.)
The Simbang Gabi will always hold a special place in the hearts of Filipino Catholics. As the completion of the nine-day Simbang Gabi draws near, it also allows us to reminisce about the blessings we have received from God in great solemnity during a troubling pandemic.
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