The Vatican News site broadcasts the mass live from YouTube, which begins at 7:30 p.m. Similarly, Christians living in Rome can attend mass for free, but with advance admission.
The Misa del Gallo is a religious ceremony of the Catholic Church in which the sacrament of the Eucharist is celebrated and the memorial of the death and resurrection of Jesus is made. This is celebrated on Christmas Eve night, between December 24 and 25, and consists of a first part in which the biblical readings of the day are read and the priest gives the homily and a second part in which the consecration of bread and wine and communion is distributed.
This Christmas tradition is celebrated in the Vatican, more specifically in St. Peter’s Basilica, and is presided over by Pope Francis. Christians living in or around Rome can choose to attend the mass, which is completely free, but tickets must be booked in advance, as it is a massive event.
Where you can see?
For believers who cannot go to the Vatican or get tickets, the Vatican News site broadcasts the mass live on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnB5vfb9FMMNTnC6-kAT3fQ). The transmission begins on Christmas Eve, so the link will not be valid until that night when the mass begins, at 7:30 p.m.
Two years ago, the pandemic affected the celebration of this mass, since Pope Francis brought forward the Midnight Mass by two hours and did not impart the Urbi et Orbi Blessing. An act that he will carry out this year and that, a priori, will not have rigorous security measures due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Origin
In the 5th century AD, Pope Sixtus III introduced in Rome the custom of celebrating the birth of Jesus with a prayer at midnight, “ad galli cantus”, “when the rooster crows”, because this was the moment of the beginning of the day for the ancient Romans. This expression is what gives the mass its curious current name.
Both the Midnight Mass and the Christmas Mass have been closely linked to art and, even more, to the musical production of the great masters. For example, Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis had its first performance in London on Christmas Eve 1832, under the direction of Moscheles.
Christmas tradition
Today, the Midnight Mass is a fundamental part of Christmas celebrations for many Catholics. In many regions of Spain, the Misa del Gallo is still celebrated to celebrate the birth of the baby Jesus, and it is a constant in their Christmas traditions, adding other traditions to the Christmas norms of each province.
In Spanish-speaking countries, this custom is deeply rooted, especially in the Latin American region (Venezuela, Colombia or Mexico, for example) where there is the largest number of Catholics worldwide. However, in other regions such as the Philippines, a mass similar to the Spanish one is celebrated.