Manila Archbishop Advincula issues guidelines for Simbang Gabi 2026

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Catholic devotees flock to the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, known canonically as the Parish of Saint John the Baptist in Quiapo Manila, or Quiapo Church to many, for the Simbang Gabi or dawn masses. Danny Pata/File photo

Manila Archbishop Jose Advincula has issued on Thursday, the guidelines for the celebration of Simbang Gabi or the votive mass celebrated by Filipino Catholics as part of the spiritual preparation for Christmas.

"As we approach the conclusion of the liturgical year and prepare to usher in a new one, we look forward with joyful hope the celebration of the Nativity of the Lord Jesus," the Archbishop said in a circular dated November 12, 2026.

"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,” he added.

According to the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church, the celebration of the Feast day of Christ the King on November 22, 2026 signals the end of the liturgical year and the start of the Advent Season, which begins on November 29, 2026.

The celebration of the nine-day Simbang Gabi in the Philippines begins on December 16, 2026 and ends on the 24th of December 2026.

Archbishop Advincula issued the guidelines with the recommendation of the Presbyteral Council and the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission:

• Aguinaldo/Simbang Gabi Masses can start as early as 6:00 p.m. for evening Masses. For the Dawn/Morning Masses, the last Aguinaldo/Simbang Gabi Mass can begin at 5:30 a.m.
• 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. Accordingly, the readings and prayers of the following day may be used during weekday evening celebrations. On Sunday evenings, the readings and prayers proper to Sunday are to be retained.
• The Gloria is recited or sung, and white vestments are used in all Aguinaldo/Simbang Gabi Masses, including those celebrated on Sundays. The Creed is to be said only on Sundays.
• Aguinaldo/Simbang Gabi Masses celebrated on Sunday take the prayers and readings of the Sunday. White vestments are used, and the Gloria and Creed are sung or recited. During other Sunday Masses, which are not Aguinaldo/Simbang Gabi Masses, violet vestments are used, and the Gloria is omitted.
• Explicit permission must be obtained from the Archbishop of Manila if Aguinaldo/Simbang Gabi Masses are to be celebrated in chapels, offices, or places other than the parish church, shrine, chaplaincy, and chapels recognized by the parish where Masses are regularly celebrated.