Prelude to Christmas--Misa de Gallo

[ram_felixx]

I am a Catholic from the Philippines. I am just curious if Misa de Gallo (or the nine dawn masses held before Christmas) is being observed in your country.

Please share your experiences, if any, about this practice.

Here’s my own personal experience: Misa de Gallo in the Philippines

 

[RosaLydia]

That sounds like a beautiful tradition.

I am from Mexico, and we call Midnight Mass “Misa de Gallo”, but that is only on Christmas eve.

What we do have is “Las Posadas” and we do this for 9 days prior to Christmas (Dec 16 - 24) It is the reenactment of the journey of Mary and Joseph looking for lodging (Posada). We traditionally go to several houses looking for lodging (with kids or adults dressed up as Mary & Joseph). We keep getting turned down, until we get to the house that is hosting the posada and there we will be given “lodging”. That is, they let us into their house and there is a big celebration inside. Usually the celebration starts with Rosary and singing. Then there is food and candy and a pinata for the kids.

I love these traditions, because, as the great day aproaches, they help you focus more and more on the meaning of Christmas, instead of going shopping every night for last minute presents!

 

[Milliardo]

It’s a tradition that’s very much Filipino. The 9 day novena dawn Masses have become such a big part of the Philippine Advent preparation that it’s hard to find people who have not been into one. Even Protestants attend it, if only to be with relatives and friends. It’s a great way to prepare. I have many lovely memories of past dawn Masses. Right now we are in the sixth day for it, and there’s three more days to go.