Light the Paról

Simbáng Gabí [pronounced “Sim-BONG gah-BEE”] is a nine-day celebration in which Filipinos prepare for Christmas. December 15 to 23, all are invited to join as a spiritual offering in preparation for celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus. We are celebrating the Novena of Simbáng Gabí with our neighboring parishes. St. Ignatius Church is celebrating with a 5 pm Mass December 16 (not the 9 pm Mass).  This event will also include some of our favorite Filipino food and music. Here is the calendar:

• Friday 12/15 St. Mary's Cathedral 7:30 am
• Saturday 12/16 St. Ignatius 5 pm
• Sunday 12/17 St. Benedict 10:30 am
• Monday 12/18 St. Vincent De Paul 8:15 am
• Tuesday 12/19 St. Agnes 12 pm
• Wed. 12/20 Star of the Sea 6 pm
• Thursday. 12/21 St. Monica/St. Thomas Apostle 6 pm
• Friday 12/22 Most Holy Redeemer 8 am
• Saturday 12/23 St. Dominic's 5:30 pm

Simbáng Gabí emerged in the 15th century. It has origins in the Spanish Colonial history of the Philippines, but eventually came to encompass a nine-day novena celebrated at 4 am during the days leading up to Christmas. When the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 was passed, a great many Filipino families immigrated to the San Francisco Bay Area, and began celebrating this holiday tradition in an American context. In the US today, Simbáng Gabí is usually celebrated from December 15 to December 23, in the evening rather than at dawn, and often includes Mass followed by a feast.

Joining with the Filipino communities in our neighboring parishes, with each parish hosting one night of the novena, unites us with the Catholic community around our city and the world. It is an opportunity to encounter significant holiday traditions that have prepared other parishes, families and the hearts of Catholics for centuries. 

Some of the readings and songs at the Mass will be sung in Tagalog. The celebration’s central symbol is the paról, a brightly colored star crafted from the transparent shells of Capiz oysters. Feasting is also a very important part of any Simbáng Gabí celebration. Ours will include traditional Filipino dishes that will warm your heart as we journey through the darkest days of the year and prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus.

Maggie Warner,
director of music and liturgy