The Simbang Gabi was not actually conceived in the Philippines. It traces its roots to the so-called Rorate Masses in Europe that date back to the 8th century, when there was a custom of celebrating Masses in honor of our Lady in the time of Advent. These Masses were called “Rorate Masses” because the entrance antiphon began with the words “Rorate caeli désuper et nubes pluant justum” (“Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain the just”).
