The Simbang Gabi is a timeless Christmas tradition adopted by the Filipinos – mostly Catholics and Aglipayans – to highlight their spirituality and faith to God. Here, they festively celebrate the birth of Christ through liturgy, Christmas carols, lanterns, native delicacies, of course, with the company of great friends and family.
The 9-day tradition originated from Mexico and was referred to as early Spanish settlers and missionaries as “Misa Aguinaldo” or “Aguinaldo masses.” The faithful made every effort to attend these masses, which was set early in the morning, as preparation to receive the greatest “Aguinaldo” they would ever obtain – Jesus Christ himself.
The same practice upheld in the Philippines and culminates on December 24th with the Noche Buena, the Filipino style Christmas dinner. It brings excitement to old and young alike, and even gives them a reason to come together in God’s grace. Churches all over the country are packed at the crack of dawn (around 4am) and as the hour-long celebration ends, churchgoers are energized ready to face the day with the blessing they’ve received.
Some Pinoys, on the other hand, are sometimes bombarded with responsibilities like work or other personal matters – including those who work the night shift or are working parents. In order to cater to the needs of these people, Churches often schedule a Simbang Gabi at night for them to attend, which is held around 6 or 7pm.
However, the Filipino Simbang Gabi tradition is a highly ubiquitous one. Where there’s Filipinos, the practice exists. Being a highly religious folk, Filipinos who live overseas never leave their beliefs and practices behind, and also celebrate Christmas the way they are accustomed to. This is especially true in the United States, where a growing population of Pinoys reside. In some areas, Advent masses are held in the mornings.
However, Los Angeles, California-based Filipinos’ Simbang Gabi is a bit different from what is traditionally done. While it’s a celebration of Filipino spirituality, it’s also a time for Filipinos to come together like families do at Christmas – and if you’re around the area, you’re more than welcome to join.
Here are 5 reasons to not to miss this unique take on the Filipino timeless ritual:
- It’s a one-night celebration of faith – No, it’s not like the traditional 9-day practice. Instead, it’s a one night affair – a great reason why you shouldn’t miss it. Held every 15th of December, this event is organized by the Filipino Ministry Archdiocese of Los Angeles and is joined by various parishes and organization within the state.This year, the Simbang Gabi will be headed by Fr. Albert Avenido, moderator of the Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, the Leadership council, and parish leaders from San Gabriel Pastoral Region, along with Dr. Linda Enriquez. This grand liturgical gathering will be held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels at 6:30pm, with Most Reverend Jose H. Gomez as the main celebrant.
- It will help prepare your heart for the coming of the Savior and remind you what this holiday season is about – Christmas is a time of love, peace, and generosity. Whatever issues and pressures you have experienced before this season, it is time to surrender them to God and fill your hearts with kindness.
This year’s Simbang Gabi theme, “Come Jesus, Fill Us with Your Mercy and Compassion (Halina Hesus, Puspusin Mo Kami ng Iyong Awa at Habag),” tackles this and spreads God’s message of love. It will help remind everyone that it is through Jesus that you can experience hope and light, says Tess Estandarte, an active member of the Vessels of Mary Liturgical Dance Group.
“We look up to Him to guide and protect us from the harsh realities of life. In this season of hope, we ask Him to soften our hearts with forgiveness and compassion. Simbang Gabi is a special time for me,” she added.
- It expresses the Filipinos’ strong and deep devotion to Mary, mother of God – Any mother who’s about to give birth to a child knows that it’s one of God’s best presents; that there is a strong feeling of excitement – and this was no different for the blessed mother. Another purpose of attending the Simbang Gabi is to join and accompany Mary, as she awaits the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. The masses held on those 9 days are celebrated as solemn votive masses in her honor – and so will this one-day liturgical celebration be.
- It will feature another Filipino tradition: the lighting of the parol or Filipino Christmas lanterns – As part of this grand Simbang Gabi event, the Parada ng Parol will be held. Here, the parols of different parishes who will also celebrate the Simbang Gabi will be processed at the pre-liturgy and blessed by Archbishop Gomez before they are sent to their own churches. This officially begins the Simbang Gabi in the entire archdiocese of Los Angeles. A procession of Christmas lanterns will follow after, joined by religious groups, civic and professional organizations, and government offices.
- It is simply the Filipino way to celebrate Christmas – Christmas for Pinoys won’t be Christmas without attending this pre-holiday liturgical novena. It is also a part of the whole tradition for families and friends to come together and “celebrate mornings with hot chocolate and native delicacies,” as said by Elizabeth Cobarrubias from St. Dominic Parish in Los Angeles.
Conventionally, Filipinos celebrate the holidays with their loved ones, music, and food. People abroad, especially those who are away from their families, will appreciate this festive occasion with their fellow-kababayans. The one-day event will connect them with the Philippine community in the Greater Los Angeles area, introduce them to new friends, enable them to sing songs and eat delicacies associated with the holiday season, which as a result will make them feel closer to their families back at home.
The Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles encourages everyone – all Filipino families, organizations, and even non-Filipinos – to join the Archdiocese community in this Simbang Gabi celebration. For more information, you may contact Dr. Linda Enriquiez at (909) 374-4053 or email her at lindaenriq@yahoo.com.