On Saturday, December 16th, St. Mary's held its first Simbang Gabi Mass. The Simbang Gabi tradition was introduced to the Philippines by the Spanish friars to allow the farmers to hear Mass before going to the fields early in the morning. Simbang Gabi is also known by its popular Spanish name as the Misa De Gallo or “Mass of the Rooster".
Church bells would start ringing as early as 3:00 am, waking people up so they could get ready for the 4:00 am dawn Mass which they would attend for the nine days before Christmas. Today the tradition continues although it is celebrated in new ways. Churches are decorated with colorful lights and beautiful parol lanterns to welcome churchgoers.
Special thank you to Yli & Marilyn Vallejo for coordinating the first SIMBANG GABI Mass, to our Filipino parishioners who provided the music, and those who prepared and cooked for the reception following the Mass. Visit our
Photo Albums for a few photos from last Saturday. We look forward to celebrating the Mass again next year.