The Fil-Am Ministry of Saint Raymond warmly invites you to join SIMBANG GABI!

Please join us for Mass at 5:30 AM from December 16 - 24.

“Simbang Gabi”, which translates to “Mass at Night” in Filipino, is the celebration of Christmas throughout hundreds of cultures and dialects that make up the Philippine islands. The custom started in 16th-century Mexico, when Father Fray Diego de Sofia began celebrating Masses at dawn, traditionally called the “Misa de Gallo”(Mass of the Rooster) or “Misa de Aguinaldo”(Mass of Gift) over nine consecutive days. The regular Masses started at 4 a.m. and began mid-December in the season of Advent.

During this season, Filipinos create beautiful decorations called “parol”(paper lanterns) to commemorate the Star of Bethlehem. These lanterns were used by the farmers to guide them in the dark to the Holy Mass. The tradition continued, even when freezing cold, when Filipinos wear their native light weight “barong”, and women, their elegant “ternos”. Choirs singing songs such as “Pasko na Naman”, and “Himig Pasko”would bring back happy memories of their homeland and families. And of course, whenever people gather, even if it is at 5 o’clock in the morning, there will be food, always!

Filipino-Americans brought Simbang Gabi to the United States and found it to be an effective way to stay connected to their faith. It expresses who they are as a Filipino people, and enables them to share their God - given gifts with the wider Church in the United States.

At St. Raymond, this tradition continues. Our spirit will remain on fire in anticipation on the birth of Jesus.