December 7, 2007

Simbang Gabi Masses are planned in four cities in archdiocese

Masses commemorating Simbang Gabi, a Filipino Advent tradition, are scheduled at Catholic churches in Bloomington, Indianapolis, Richmond and Terre Haute in December.

Simbang Gabi dates back to the time when Spanish missionaries were working in the Philippines.

It is a novena of nine Masses celebrated on the last days of Advent leading into Christmas. These Masses are traditionally held at 4 a.m. at “cock’s crow,” and are also known as Misa de Gallo, the “Mass of the Rooster.”

In the Philippines, this novena is the official start of the Christmas liturgy. The tradition culminates with a Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.

For each Mass, colorful food stalls line the churchyards. After each Mass, stopping at these food stalls gives the churchgoers a chance to mingle and converse with fellow workers. This also provides an opportunity for young men and young women to get acquainted with one another.

Over the generations, local Filipino faith communities have creatively adapted to Simbang Gabi. Many urban parishes now celebrate Simbang Gabi in the evening—in addition to the more traditional dawn liturgies—in order to accommodate the needs of people with a great variety of schedules.

Simbang Gabi liturgies are scheduled at four churches in the archdiocese and are listed by date.

  • Dec. 14—St. Paul Catholic Center, 1413 E. 17th St., Bloomington. Mass, 7 p.m.
  • Dec. 15—St. Patrick Church, 1807 Poplar St., Terre Haute. Mass, 4 p.m.
  • Dec. 18—St. Monica Church, 6131 N. Michigan Road, Indianapolis. Mass, 7 p.m.
  • Dec. 21—St. Andrew Church, 235 S. 5th St., Richmond. Mass, 7 p.m.†

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