What Would Jesus Wish After Nine Nights of Misa de Gallo?

Filipino Catholics would flock to churches at night until dawn to attend the Holy Mass for nine consecutive nights, believing that this sacrifice would bring them closer to God. They also held the belief that on the final night of the Mass, they could make a wish, and God would grant it.

The reason that pushes us to complete the Misa de Gallo

Alexandra Marie Carpio, a devoted Catholic, shared that what motivates her to complete the nine nights of Simbang Gabi is not only her membership in the church but also the sense of solace that she finds whenever she is in the parish.

“The thing na nagtutulak po sa akin is ‘yong symbolism ng bawat isang gabi po ng [Simbang Gabi] ay isang buwan na pagbubuntis ni Mary kay Jesus Christ (9 days ng [Simbang Gabi] = 9 months of maternity parang ganyan po). Aside from that, ‘yong [Novena Mass] po na ito ‘yong nagiging paghahanda natin sa pagdating ni Kristo,” Alexandra said.

When she was asked what her wish would be if Jesus were like us and had completed the nine nights of Misa de Gallo, she replied, "Trust." 

She hopes that every Catholic would trust in Jesus Christ and follow His example, even when faced with the certainty of death. Despite knowing His death was imminent, He still trusted the Heavenly Father, and we too are called to place our faith in Him, believing that everything will fall into place according to His will.

Joanna Rey Fajardo from Bulacan, is quite the opposite of Alexandra. While Alexandra has devoted her life to the church since childhood, influenced by her family, Joanna is now striving to establish a family tradition of attending Mass, as it was not part of her cultural upbringing.

“First time ko gawin 'to. Hindi talaga ako palasimba na tao. I believe in God pero sa simbahan, I don't talaga. Noong bata ako, si lola lang ang nakakapagsama sa'kin sa simba. Pero hindi rin palagi 'yon. Kahit nga birthday ko, hindi rin ako nagsisimba. Bilang sa kamay ‘yong birthdays ko na nagsimba ako, wala pang mass 'yon, as in pray lang then uwi. Growing up kasi eh hindi talaga cultured ang family ko sa pakikinig sa mga pari. I grew up thinking na hindi rin naman nila alam ‘yong mga sinasabi nila and I just know to myself na may mga paniniwala ang simbahan na hindi ako agree. But things changed when my manliligaw came into my life,” she stated during an interview with 4079 Magazine. 

The common thread between Alex and Joanna’s responses is that they attend Mass not out of obligation, but because they find peace and solace in every moment that they are in the sanctuary of God. Their hearts are open to absorbing the lessons of love, compassion, kindness, and devotion that the nine nights of Advent offer.

Another factor that motivates Joanna to attend Mass is her suitor, whom she likens to a puzzle piece that has found its place. Joanna is looking for someone who will stand by her side and uphold family traditions. Her suitor has introduced her to a new culture and tradition—attending Mass and believing in things she had never considered before. He has changed her perspective on life without ever pressuring her to do so.

“So ayon, we're trying to build a tradition in our relationship as he also believes that this will make our bond stronger. As for me, I have a thing to pray for din naman bukod sa family ko, siyempre ‘yong life goals ko. All in all, I could say na ang nagse-serve ko as motivation is ‘yong hope na I could make a change sa takbo ng buhay ko,” Joanna said when asked about the thing that pushes her to continue attending the mass. 

But if Jesus were like her, a normal person, would her wish change?

“For me, I dream of a happy life. I just hope na anuman ang mangyari, I'll find a way to be happy and content sa buhay. I believe kasi na He has a whole life planned out for me. Tulad ng lagi kong idinadasal, sana dalhin ako ng Panginoon kung saan ako nararapat at magiging masaya.” 

And just as the Lord fulfills His will, Joanna seems to be the answer to Alexandra’s wish for people to have faith in Him. It’s amazing how God works in so many ways.

The question lingers, what could be His wish?

Have you ever wondered what Jesus' wish would be if He were just like us, a normal citizen of a third-world country, completing the nine nights of Advent?

Imagine Jesus, walking alongside the Filipino faithful through the quiet, early mornings of those nine sacred masses. He endures the long wait, the weariness of the body and soul—just as we do—yet with an unwavering sense of hope, humility, and love.

Perhaps His wish would be similar to Alexandra and Joanna’s, or maybe something more extravagant, or even simple: that the hearts of all who gather in His name would be filled with the same peace He brought to the world the night He came to Bethlehem.

Or perhaps His wish would be something more specific—a new phone, a lot of money, a car, or any material possession. Maybe He would wish for intangible things: a complete and happy family, time for healing, peace and joy in His heart, a ceasefire in countries torn by conflict, justice for those who suffer injustice, or perhaps a government that truly prioritizes its citizens.

After nine nights of devotion, would His wish be for us to find joy in the quiet moments, to remember that He came not as a king, but as a humble child, seeking nothing but our love?

Or perhaps His wish would be that we, like Him, embrace the beauty of sacrifice—not just in our prayers and devotions, but in how we live our lives for others. For what is Christmas, if not a reminder that love, compassion, and giving are the true gifts?

In the end, Jesus’ wish might simply be that we continue the journey He began, carrying the light of His love with us, not just through the nine nights of Misa de Gallo, but every day of our lives.

Perhaps the man, the elderly woman, or the child seated next to you is Him.

Gerie Marie Z. Consolacion is the Managing Editor of 4079 Magazine and has served as the Features Editor of The Communicator (25th and 27th editions) and the 16th President of the PUP Journalism Guild. She is also a writer intern at Village Pipol Magazine, focusing on feature and lifestyle articles.