VIENNA, Austria - The 9-day novena or Simbang Gabi in preparation for Christmas has begun – and this is not only being celebrated in the Philippines but also among Filipino Catholic communities worldwide.

In Vienna, the Simbang Gabi started on December 16.

Over the years, the Filipino Catholic Community in Vienna has made some changes in the celebration of Simbang Gabi. The 2 Pinoy parishes in Vienna celebrate Misa de Gallo at 7 p.m. in order to accommodate the needs of the members of the community who have different work schedules.

“Individuals, families and organizations in the Parish are cordially invited to attend the Simbang Gabi masses at both Christus Hoffnung der Welt and Maria vom Berge Karmel churches. Shortly after the mass, traditional delicacies await the church goers. Favorites like bibingka, puto (rice cakes), suman sa pasko and suman sa ibos are usually served with tea or coffee. Arroz caldo is also very popular. Through this we want to strengthen the spirit [of] Christian community among the Filipinos in Austria,” the Filipino chaplaincy told ABS-CBN News.

Asked about the importance of Simbang Gabi among the lives of Filipinos abroad, Romy Martinez, a lay minister in the city, commented that it is a very significant spiritual preparation for Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ.

“Simbang Gabi is not just a tradition that is celebrated because Filipinos need to do so. It is a significant moment not only because it strengthens relationships among family members and the community but also because it is a time when our faith is intensified,” Martinez added.

“Our presence here abroad, far away from the Philippines, does not actually hinder us to practice our typical Pinoy tradition, like the celebration of Simbang Gabi. However, celebrating Simbang Gabi outside the Philippines requires some creative planning on the part of its organizers.”

“Here in Vienna, we are very much lucky that we have [the] Filipino Chaplaincy and have our own Pinoy church,” Mario Tolentino said.

Devout Filipino Catholics in Vienna regard Simbang Gabi as a way of requesting blessings from the Lord, as most people believe that if one completes the whole series of 9 dawn masses, wishes will be granted.

No matter how or when this celebration takes place, the Simbang Gabi provides a strong indication of the depth of Catholicism among the Filipino people.

It was in 1660, during the early years of Christianity in the Philippines, when the Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo became a Filipino religious tradition.

During Advent, in preparation for the coming of Jesus at Christmas, the missionary friars held 9 days of Masses to usher in the event of Christ’s birth. These masses were celebrated in the early morning hours, typically at about 4:00 a.m. when the roosters crow to announce the coming of a new day.