Our Fil-Am brothers and sisters contribute to our parish family in many ways as do our other brother and sister special organizations.

Of the many contributions, the celebration of Simbang Gabi Sa  (which is celebrated every year starting 9 days before Christmas and ending on Christmas Eve) is one of my favorite celebrations.  It is a 9 day novena which serves to deepen our understanding of the Yuletide Season and to prepare ourselves to celebrate the meaning  of Christmas - Loving and Giving. When you attend, you hear the lovely sounds of the Himig  (Sound) choir.  It is truly an experience which will open your hearts to the coming of the Lord. the  Following the Mass every night there is a mini feast to which everyone is invited.

What is Simbang Gabi?

it is a Novena of Advent Masses celebrated at dawn in the Philippines to heighten the faithful anticipation of the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  This joyful event, dating back to the 1700's, honors the Blessed Virgin Mary.  Originally a Mexican tradition, "Simbang Gabi" was introduced by Spanish Missionaries to the Filipinos who continue to keep the tradition alive till this day. 

In some areas, an hour or so before the Mass, a band plays traditional Christmas carols all over town and the whole village remains vigilant for the "Simbang Gabi" observance.  "Parol" or lantern, that most popular Christmas symbol, adorns churches and homes as it represents the Star of Bethlehem.  the "parol" or lantern has the two-fold meaning of symbolically guiding the Messiah to come to the house and announcing that the family displaying this symbol is a family that has accepted the Messiah.  It is a symbolic declaration that  "We are Christians in this house." 

If you have any suggestions for our newsletter, please e-mail Caesar Tan at ckrtan@comcast.net