SAN DIEGO — Lighted, colorful, star-shaped lanterns will mark the opening of the Simbang Gabi vigil Mass at St. Charles Church in South San Diego on Dec. 14.
Simbang Gabi is a Filipino tradition that prepares the hearts of the faithful for the Nativity of Jesus Christ.
The sixth annual diocesan Mass will be celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Ramón Bejarano, with Bishop Michael Pham and Auxiliary Bishop Felipe Pulido, and Filipino clergy. It serves as a commissioning for the Simbang Gabi novena Masses that will continue through Dec. 24 at parishes across the diocese.
Simbang Gabi — which means “evening Mass” in Filipino — is a novena of Masses in anticipation of the birth of the Savior and in honor of his mother.
This tradition was brought to the Philippines in 1668 by Spanish missionaries from Mexico and has been preserved through the centuries by Filipino Catholics around the world.
The Mass on Dec. 14, at 6:30 p.m., will begin with a procession into the church of representatives from parishes and communities hoisting “parols,” star-shaped lanterns representing the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Three Wise Men to the manger of Baby Jesus.
Just before the end, Bishop Bejarano will initiate a candle-lighting ceremony, bless the parols and the community, then send them forth as a symbol of their mission to light the way to Christ.
