The Missa de Aguinaldo: A Reflection

It is truly a great challenge to wake up for the Traditional Aguinaldo Masses or Missa de Gallo here in the Philippines. With the cold wind blowing and the chill of early dawn, it is a bit intimidating to go out for Mass. I give the Filipino much applause for still retaining this custom which is held only here in the country as approved by the Holy See since the 17th Century.

Even though other countries have the Rorate Masses (the origin of the Missa de Gallo) held every Saturday of Advent, it would not compare to the specialness of the Missas de Aguinaldo in the Philippines where it is held 9 consecutive days as Novena not only for Christmas but in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary also.

It is also quite special with regard that Aguinaldo Masses do not bear so much a theme of Advent (i.e, violet vestments and the suppression of the Gloria) but are designated to be of joyful character (i.e, flowers in the church, decoration abounding, and the Gloria sung) because it is a celebration of the Dawn of Salvation (which Mary symbolizes) and the joy of Christ's Incarnation.

What remains of Advent in these dawn Masses is the element of penance wherein you must wake up early at dawn to give God glory and the gift of yourself, hence "aguinaldo". This is not so much as receiving a wish after completing the nine days, it is given that one receives many graces at Mass and at a time like this but it is more on giving Christ your time and sacrifice.

It is also, a joyful waiting. Waiting is usually anxiety-filled and very stressful but the Church, having designated Advent and these Aguinaldo Masses as a period of such wait, gives stress to the joy of promised Salvation rather than the pain of waiting. As in childbirth, the wait is not for the pain but for the joy of a child.

The Missas de Aguinaldo are a time to reflect upon the true meaning of the season and the joy God has given to men by being one of them. It is also a time to share in the great joy of the Blessed Virgin in her bringing forth of Salvation. These are the things that must come first. The other things like bonding with friends, getting wishes granted or tasting the goodies after Mass are not very important as the things that these nine days have and are going to teach us about Sacrifice,Thanksgiving, Adoration and Propitiation- the essence of the Holy sacrifice of the Mass.

Let us not be burdened by how hard it is to get to Mass in the cold dawn, but in the joy we give God and Mother Mary in giving ourselves fully as gifts to them in this Blessed Christmastide.