CBCP urges priests to deliver meaningful SImbang Gabi homilies

DAVAO CITY —The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president, Cardinal Pablo David, has called on priests to maximize the opportunity presented by the traditional “Simbang Gabi” (Dawn Masses) to effectively share the Word of God with the faithful.

Cardinal David highlighted the importance of delivering meaningful homilies during the nine-day Masses, which started on Sunday evening and are scheduled to run until Dec. 23 for anticipated evening Masses, and Dec. 16 to Dec. 24 for dawn Masses.

“This is the time when people listen to the Church. They are captive audiences. They like to hear the Word of God,” David said in an interview on Saturday.

The Kalookan Bishop reminded priests to center their messages on Scripture rather than personal opinions. “When priests speak, they shouldn’t share just their points of view or opinions but the real Word of God, which is what the people want to hear,” he emphasized.

Simbang Gabi, a cherished Filipino Catholic tradition, is a nine-day series of evening or dawn Masses leading up to Christmas Day. It draws large congregations who seek spiritual preparation for the holiday season.

Cardinal David also urged Filipino Catholics to promote inclusivity and unity among diverse beliefs and backgrounds. “Catholics should learn to be one with non-Catholics, fellow Christians, other religions and faith communities, and all fellow human beings,” he said.

He made the remarks during his homecoming and thanksgiving Mass at San Roque Cathedral in Caloocan City on Saturday. Cardinal David returned from the Vatican on Friday night after attending the consistory, where he and 20 others were elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope Francis on Dec. 7.

As Simbang Gabi begins, Cardinal David’s message serves as a reminder of the season’s call for spiritual reflection, inclusivity, and fostering deeper connections within communities.