Faithful Urged to Avoid Distractions During Simbang Gabi

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has issued a reminder to the faithful to refrain from eating, using mobile phones, or chatting with friends during Holy Mass, especially as the 9-day Simbang Gabi begins ahead of Christmas.

Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Public Affairs, emphasized that giving full attention during Mass is the highest form of worship.

“Even outside of Simbang Gabi, eating, drinking water, or using mobile phones inside the church should be avoided. Active and full participation in the Mass is what we seek,” Fr. Secillano stated in an interview with TeleRadyo Serbisyo.

It was further explained that attending church is primarily for prayer and not for eating, relaxing, or chatting with friends. The faithful were encouraged to give undivided attention during Mass as a sign of reverence.

According to Fr. Secillano, who serves as rector of the EDSA Shrine, guidelines on prohibited behaviors are usually announced before the start of Mass. Churchgoers bringing snacks, soft drinks, or coffee inside the shrine are asked to step outside to avoid distractions.

While it was noted that the first day of Simbang Gabi was well attended, Fr. Secillano mentioned uncertainty about whether the high attendance would continue throughout the novena.

“Attendance was generally good and orderly, which is typical for the first day. Filipinos tend to flock to churches at the start because this is already a part of our Christmas tradition,” he remarked.

Recognizing that some attendees may feel sleepy or tired during the early morning Masses, priests were said to prepare special homilies to maintain the congregation's engagement.