Pangasinan capitol holds anticipated ‘Misa de Gallo’

On Monday, Gov. Espino invited the people of Lingayen, the capital town of Pangasinan, to also attend the devotional nine-day masses. (Photo by Shubert Ciencia/Flickr, CC BY 2.0)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Anticipated “Misa de Gallo” masses are  being celebrated  5 pm. daily at the provincial capitol to give government employees a chance to attend the “Simbang Gabi” after office hours.

Now on its fourth day, the Misa de Gallo or Simbang Gabi is part of the Filipino Christmas tradition, where the Catholic faithful attend the Holy Mass in key churches nationwide from 4 to 5 a.m. daily starting December 16 until the 24th.

Here in Pangasinan, former Governor Amado Espino Jr., now congressman of the Fifth District, started the holding of anticipated Misa de Gallo masses at the capitol building, and continued by his son, incumbent Governor Amado Espino III, in partnership with the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan.

On Monday, Gov. Espino invited the people of Lingayen, the capital town of Pangasinan, to also attend the devotional nine-day masses.

The Provincial Information Office said the public is also enjoined to take part in the Christmas Eve Mass on December 24, 7 p.m. at the Capitol Plaza, and the New Year’s Eve Mass or “Misa de Aguinaldo” on December 31, 7 p.m.

Meanwhile, the provincial capitol was transformed into a Christmas village with the installation of vibrant lights and lanterns along Maramba Boulevard and within the Capitol Complex.

Adding beauty to the Christmas village is a 48-foot-tall Christmas tree adorned with colorful trimmings, lights, and images depicting Yuletide traditions for the public to enjoy at night.

Adjacent to the giant Christmas tree is a Nativity scene (belen) with life-sized statues that depict the birth of Jesus Christ — a must-see for visitors.

A 12-foot-tall lantern (parol) has also been installed at the middle of the Capitol building that illuminates the Capitol Plaza at night.

The people could also view another Nativity scene placed at the Urduja House, the official residence of the Pangasinan Governor.