A first: Pope Francis celebrates Simbang Gabi in Rome | Global News

A first: Pope Francis celebrates Simbang Gabi in Rome

/ 04:55 AM December 07, 2019

MANILA, Philippines — For the first time, Filipinos in Rome will start the traditional “Simbang Gabi” with no less than Pope Francis celebrating the first of the nine dawn Masses leading to Christmas.

According to Fr. Ricky Gente of the Filipino Chaplaincy in Rome, the Pontiff is scheduled to preside over that Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on Dec. 15 at 4:30 p.m. (10:30 p.m. Manila time).

ADVERTISEMENT

This is the first time that the Pope would be celebrating the dawn mass four years after the Filipino community began holding the tradition at the basilica, Gente said on CBCPNews, the official news service of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.

Gente added that around 150 priests will concelebrate with the Pope, including Cardinal Vicar Angelo de Donatis, the Vicar of Rome, and Fr. Leonir Chiarello, head of the Scalabrinians worldwide.

FEATURED STORIES

Also expected to attend the Mass are Ambassador to the Holy See Grace Relucio-Princesa and Ambassador to Italy Domingo Nolasco.

Due to the basilica’s limited seating capacity, only 7,500 Filipino churchgoers would be accommodated. The eight remaining dawn Masses leading to Christmas will be held at the Santa Pudenziana Basilica.–Jovic Yee

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Read Next
Don't miss out on the latest news and information.

Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.

TAGS: Catholic Church, Global Nation, Italy, Pope Francis, Religion, Rome, Simbang Gabi
For feedback, complaints, or inquiries, contact us.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our global news

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.



© Copyright 1997-2023 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. To find out more, please click this link.