Simbang Gabi Christmas tradition among Fil-Ams returns on Dec. 15

For nearly four decades, Simbang Gabi has been an important part of the rich religious and cultural traditions of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. CONTRIBUTED

LOS ANGELES – The beloved Simbang Gabi Christmas tradition among Filipino Americans is expected to draw tens of thousands from all over the United States beginning on Dec. 15.

The annual Simbang Gabi, often called the “Misa de Gallo” or “Rooster’s Mass,” is a series of dawn masses leading up to Christmas Eve.

For Filipino Catholics, this cherished religious tradition is more than just attending church services. It brings together their vibrant community in anticipation of the Christmas season.

For nearly four decades, Simbang Gabi has been an important part of the rich religious and cultural traditions of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

“The Simbang Gabi Mass can serve as a testament to the power of religious and cultural exchange and the unifying strength of our diverse parish communities,” according to the Archdiocese guide for Simbang Gabi.

“With migration of Filipinos around the world, their culture and their strong, lively Catholic faith is present in many corners of the world.”

The greatest gift of all

Every year, dozens of parishes around the Archdiocese host celebrations marking Simbang Gabi.

This year’s theme is “Hesus, Pinakadakilang Regalo sa Lahat, Tunay na Nasa Eukaristiya” (Jesus, the Greatest Gift of All, Truly Present in the Eucharist).

The celebration kicks off at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on Friday, Dec. 15, 6:30 p.m. The Holy Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop José H. Gomez. He will be joined by other bishops and priests from the archdiocese. The Cathedral is located at 555 West Temple Street in Los Angeles

Before the Holy Mass begins, there will be a parade of Christmas lanterns or the parol.

More than 120 parishes from the five pastoral regions in the Archdiocese will participate in this event. The Archdiocese covers Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.

The celebration kicks off at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on Friday, Dec. 15, 6:30 p.m. The Holy Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop José H. Gomez. CONTRIBUTED

Blessing of parol

The parol, a Philippine Christmas symbol, will be blessed at the end of the Mass. In the Philippines, the parol is used to light up people’s homes. Parishioners attending the Simbang Gabi will bring colorful Christmas lanterns, symbols of hope and joy.

The procession will also include the parol of Fil-Am religious, civic and professional groups.

The San Fernando Region is organizing this year’s event. Leading the celebration are Simbang Gabi 2023 Chair Ben Aranda and Co-chair Arnel Bailon, in coordination with Fr. Rodel Balagtas, priest liaison of the Filipino Ministry and pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale.

“We extend our invitation to families, parishes, and organizations to join us in this beautiful Filipino Catholic tradition,” the Filipino Ministry said.

“Let us come together, prepare our hearts for Christmas and strengthen our bonds as a community.”

For more information, contact Aranda at [email protected] or Bailon at [email protected].