PHILIPPINES: FIRST OF 9 PRE-DAWN MASSES LEADING UP TO CHRISTMAS EVE

(16 Dec 1996) English/Nat The final countdown to Christmas started in the Philippines Monday. Filipinos, young and old woke up early to attend the first of nine pre-dawn masses leading up to Christmas Eve. The masses are held by churches nationwide. Four-thirty a.m. -- the Las Pinas church bell rings -- calling the faithful to mass. Hundreds of catholics in this suburb of Manila are already gathered in the church yard. This morning they will celebrate the first of nine pre-dawn masses leading up to Christmas Eve. It is a tradition introduced by the Spaniards almost 400 years ago during their colonial rule. Every year the old and the young rise early to listen to the Eucharistic celebration. Churches nationwide hold the mass to prepare the Catholic faithful spiritually for the celebration of the Birth of Christ. The Philippines is the only predominately Catholic country in Asia. The population is 85 percent Roman Catholic. Christmas of the biggest and longest running religious holiday of the year. SOUNDBITE: (English) "Its something that is given to the Filipinos that maybe many countries don't have. It is really a preparation of nine days, something that creates an atmosphere. In fact Christmas... you would say it starts on today. After the mass many people would wish you already Merry Christmas." SUPER CAPTION: Father Mark Lesage Near the church vendors set up stalls selling native rice cakes and delicacies. The early morning church goers take time to share a snack together after hearing mass. The Christmas season is a time for community and family. It is a time when faith, friends and family are the central theme. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...