Archbishop invites all faithful to embrace Filipino Simbang Gabi tradition

Archbishop Miller is encouraging all Vancouver Catholics, regardless of cultural background, to embrace this year’s Simbang Gabi Christmas Novena.

In a recent pastoral letter, Archbishop Miller said the novena, which takes place from Dec. 15 to 23 to honour the Blessed Virgin Mary as she awaits the birth of her son, “is truly a gift from the Filipino community that has been shared in an increasing number of our parishes over the last twenty years.”

“It is my hope that this beautiful Novena will be embraced by many of the faithful beyond the Filipino community as a fitting way of preparing for our celebration of the Birth of the Lord at Christmas,” he said.

Simbang Gabi traces its origins to 16th-century Mexico and a monastic monk by the name of Fray Diego de Soria. 

He is said to have received Vatican permission to hold an outdoor Mass at dawn for Christmas to accommodate all the people. It evolved into the novena tradition of holding an early morning Mass on each of the nine days before Christmas.

The Masses were called the “Misa de Gallo,” Spanish for “Mass at the rooster call.” 

Having Mass at such an early time in the morning helped people embrace the penitential spirit of Advent. Spain brought the tradition of novenas to the Filipinos, who embraced the practice and have been celebrating it ever since.

In the Archdiocese of Vancouver, the celebration of Simbang Gabi began at Corpus Christi Parish in Vancouver in 2001.  

Simbang Gabi commences with Mass at Holy Rosary Cathedral on Dec. 14, the night before the novena starts, with Mass at the cathedral. Representatives from participating parishes attend and the Mass includes a commissioning of the Simbang Gabi coordinators.

In addition to Mass, there is a procession and blessing of “parols” (Filipino lanterns) which can be displayed at local parishes as a symbol of the unity within the local Church.

The Archdiocese’s Filipino Ministry said the novena is a way for “Filipinos in our local Church to help all the faithful to celebrate the season of Advent and anticipate Christmas in a meaningful way.”

The Mass “has become a significant moment in the Archdiocese of Vancouver’s preparations for the celebration of Christmas.”

With CNA files.