Holy Infant is marking its third year celebrating Simbang Gabi alongside our Filipino brothers and sisters with a Mass on the second night, Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m.
Simbang Gabi is a Filipino tradition of celebrating a series of novena Masses over nine days in anticipation of Christmas beginning on Dec. 16 and culminating with a Christmas Eve Mass.
Bishop Zarama shares childhood memories of praying the nine-day Novena with his family. Catholic parishes around the U.S., as well as the Vatican, have begun celebrating this spiritual preparation for Christmas practiced by Catholic Filipino communities worldwide. This year, for the first time, Pope Francis will celebrate the first of the nine Masses in Rome, four years after the Filipino community began holding the Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.
Food is an important part of Simbang Gabi. In years past, the community has shared a meal after Mass. This year, Filipino pastries and treats will be sold after Mass. Offerings include Bibingka, Puto, Cassava, Pichi-Pichi, Turon and more for $1 to 2 each. Hot foods such as Lagaw and Ginataan will also be available. Bake sale proceeds will benefit our new church Altar Sponsorship Campaign.