Pope Francis is set to lead the traditional Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo on December 15 in the Vatican.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said that this is the first time a Pope will celebrate the mass during the start of Simbang Gabi.
“While St. Peter’s Basilica hosted such Mass for Filipinos a few times in the past, the December 15 celebration will be the first-ever to be presided over by a pope,” the CBCP said.
Scalabrinian Fr. Ricky Gente of the Filipino Chaplaincy in Rome also confirmed this to CBCP.
At least 150 priests will concelebrate the mass. Some 7,500 churchgoers and devotees are expected to attend.
The CBCP said Philippine Ambassador to the Holy See Grace Relucio-Princesa and the country’s envoy to Italy, Domingo Nolasco will concelebrate with 150 other priests.
The mass will take place at 4:30PM in St. Peter’s Basilica (10:30pm in the Philippines).
Simbang Gabi is a series of Catholic evening services held days before Christmas.
