Thousands attend first Simbang Gabi at Quiapo Church

Thousands of Catholic faithful gathered at the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene (Quiapo Church) early Tuesday, December 16, for the first day of Simbang Gabi, also known as Misa de Aguinaldo.

Devotees began lining up as early as midnight to attend the dawn Mass, which marks the start of the nine-day novena leading up to Christmas Day.

According to Quiapo Church Liturgy Head Adrian Hapa, the crowd on the first day reached thousands, and church officials expect a significant increase in attendance in the coming days.

PNP urged parents to accompany minors during Simbang Gabi to prevent disturbances.

Rev. Fr. Jade Licuanan, parish priest and director of Quiapo Church, reminded the faithful that being a true devotee goes beyond completing the nine dawn Masses, emphasizing sincerity, sacrifice, and living out one's faith in daily life.

One attendee, Rico Ford, traveled from Manaoag, Pangasinan, to pray at Quiapo Church and shared a personal prayer for his parents.