Start of Simbang Gabi in San Francisco held Cathedral of St. Mary

Filipino priest Fr. Angel Quitalig of the St. Mark Catholic Church in Belmont presided over the eucharistic celebration.SFPCG

SAN FRANCISCO – Filipinos in the San Francisco Bay Area together with the staff of the Philippine Consulate General turned out for the 14th Annual Commissioning Mass for the “Simbang Gabi” (Dawn Masses) at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption on Dec. 10.

Consul Jed Martin A. Llona led the procession of the “parol” (Filipino star lanterns) that were blessed during the mass. Filipino priest Fr. Angel Quitalig of the St. Mark Catholic Church in Belmont presided over the eucharistic celebration.

Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer thanked the Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of San Francisco for their efforts in keeping Filipino Christmas traditions such as the “Simbang Gabi” alive amid a global pandemic and as the Filipino faithful celebrate the 500^th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines.

The “Simbang Gabi” or “Misa de Gallo” is a series of novena (nine) masses that is traditionally celebrated at dawn beginning December 16.

In recent times, an anticipated “Simbang Gabi” is also held for nine nights starting Dec. 15. For the “Simbang Gabi” schedule in San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin Counties, visit https://pcgsanfrancisco.org/category/fil-com-announcements/.