Pinoys prepare for ‘Simbang Gabi’
December 5, 2007 -- Got something to say?
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Simbang Gabi is a Philippine tradition of celebrating mass during the evening or early morning hours for nine days preceding Christmas.
For the first time in its history, a Simbang Gabi will be held at St. Leo the Great parish in Fairfax on Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m. through a novena mass celebrated by Fr. P. J. Camiring.
Music will be provided by the Filipino Ministry Choir of Northern Virginia and a salu-salo (picnic) will be held after the mass.
Organizers hope Simbang Gabi will be embraced not only by Filipinos or Filipino Americans in the community but by all brothers in Christ.
Simbang Gabi is a unique Philippine practice dating back to the 16th century during the Spanish colonial period when priests held early dawn masses for farmers who could not leave their fields at midday to attend Christmas mass.
In this age of commercialism Christians more than ever need to focus on the spiritual meaning of Christmas that Christ is coming and that we should prepare for Him instead of getting lost in material things.
In addition to St. Leo the Great Church, 18 other parishes will be celebrating Simbang Gabi, starting on Dec. 15 at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Vienna and ending on Dec. 23 at the Thomas More Cathedral.
Bishop Paul S. Loverde will celebrate the last Simbang Gabi this year in the Arlington diocese.
A fund-raising live concert will be held on Dec. 8 between 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. at St. Michaels Church, 7401 St. Michael Lane, Annandale to benefit Filipino Ministry projects and Simbang Gabi.
Entrance tickets of $10 will cover food and entertainment.
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