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SIMBANG GABI FILIPINO
(Night or Evening Mass)
It's true, the Filipino people are the most adaptable and assimilated migrants in the world. Just behind India (2) and China (1) in migration to different countries, immigrants from the Philippines are very highly educated, independent and industrious. As much as possible, like all Asians, Filipinos in America would like to be responsible citizens and not ask for goods they didn't work hard for. At the same time, Filipinos who became expatriots would like the many aspects of their previous happy childhood and family memories of the motherland be preserved and celebrated. One of these aspects is the Christmas tradition of Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo (Mass of the Dawn when the Rooster Crows).
How do Filipinos in America integrate this distinctly spiritual custom? Simbang Gabi in the Philippines began more than 300 years ago as part of Christmas celebration for the Filipino farmers by the Spanish friars who decided that by celebrating these early masses and preaching the Gospel they could implant in the hearts and minds of these poor folks a love and understanding of their Catholic Faith, preserve their Filipino culture and continue the propagation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Simbang Gabi at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Skokie-Evanston, Illinois is celebrated part English and part Filipino. The lights are dimmed at the beginning of the Mass to make the appearance of the opening dawn, a bell or a native gong is struck, and the whole church is then lighted up when the priest has reached the altar.
A Filipino choir or band plays traditional carols and religious hymns. Alleluia!
Filipino Choir with Conductor Ned and Jhun & Randel (guitars)
After the service, "puto-bumbong," a violet gelatinous rice steamed in a tuber with sugar and grated coconut and "salabat" (ginger tea) were served. The Simbang Gabi dinner at St. Joan of Arc Parish was muy excellent - there were delicious Filipino dishes and roasted suckling pig, and variety of sweets served by beautifully attired and smiling Filipino servers.
JIM, the Master of Ceremonies, called the hungry eaters table after table around 7:00 P.M.
In the Philippines, by 5:00 A.M., the Mass was over and the men and women were off to work in the farm and rice fields. Simbang Gabi Filipino in the United States starts on December 16th and celebrated big only once at 5:30 P.M. or 7:00 P.M. Sometimes, the "real' religious faithful attend the 9 day Mass ending with the Midnight Mass on December 24th.
SIMBANG GABI AT THE CHURCH OF ST. ITA
Rev. Noel Reyes of Our Lady of Mercy Church and Rev. Pavlik of St. Ita celebrated the Simbang Gabi Friday, December 15, 2006.
L-R: Mercy, Josie, Susan (St. Ita's Choir), Rev. Reyes, & Budz
L-R: Cora & Vicky with Simbang Gabi servers
The St. Ita Filipino Community
12202006 Heaven Saints web page
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