We extend our thanks to Yli & Marilyn Vallejo for coordinating our third SIMBANG GABI Mass at St. Mary's last Saturday afternoon. This Filipino Christmas tradition celebrates the nine days of waiting for the coming of Christmas with the "Misa de Gallo"- Mass of the Rooster each morning at 4:00 am. Thank you to our Filipino parishioners and their friends who provided the music and prepared and cooked for the reception following the Mass.  Below are a few photos.

It was during the early years of Christianity in the Phillippines, that the "Simgang "Gabi" or the "Misa de Gallo" became a Filipino religious tradition.  During Advent, in preparation for the coming of Jesus at Christmas, nine days of Masses were held to usher in the event of Christ's birth.  These Masses were celebrated in the early morning hours, typically at about 4:00 AM when the rooster's crow to announce the coming of the new day.  At first sound of dawn, at the crowing of the rooster, the entire family would get up and walk to their nearest parish church.

Since the Masses were at dawn and dark, the flickering candles in star-shaped parol (Filipino lanterns) gave light to patch ion the way to the church.  The design of the parol symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Three Kings to Jesus.  It likewise represents the victory of light over darkness and the Filipinos hope and goodwill during the Christmas season.

It was thus that Simbang Gabi ("Simba" means Mass, and "Gabi" means night or evening) or Misa de Gallo became a Filipino tradition.  It was a religious practice that was handed down from parent to child, observed by Filipinos from one generation to the next.