Filipino Christmas Tradition ‘Simbang Gabi’ Returns to Local Parish

The Filipino Community at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church 2640 East Orange Grove Boulevard will celebrate their beloved Simbang Gabi Mass on Saturday, December 21 at 5:00 p.m.

The celebration at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church includes a special novena Mass followed by a reception in Mary Catherine Hall, continuing a cherished spiritual tradition that originated in 1587 in the Philippines.

Simbang Gabi began as a series of novena Masses held outdoors to accommodate overflowing crowds before Christmas, evolving while maintaining its spiritual significance.

The American adaptation of this beloved tradition typically occurs in evening hours to enable greater family participation, though not all parishes conduct the complete nine-day novena series.

The celebration aims to preserve this cherished spiritual tradition while fostering community gathering and religious devotion in preparation for Jesus Christ’s birth.