STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.—A beloved Filipino Catholic custom that occurs throughout the Advent season in the run-up to Christmas is Simbang Gabi, or Night Mass. Filipinos are brought together by the Masses, which deepens their ties to their common cultural history and faith.
Nine consecutive early morning Masses are part of the custom, which offers both Filipino Catholics and non-Filipinos a means of spiritually preparing for Christmas. The first of the nine Masses of Simbang Gabi will be celebrated at Sacred Heart R.C. Church in West Brighton, which is led by the Rev. Rhey Garcia, the first Filipino pastor on Staten Island.
St. Charles Church, St. Joseph Church, St. Roch’s Church, Holy Rosary Church, St. Rita Church, St. Thomas Church, St. Sylvester Church, and Blessed Sacrament Church are the other eight churches on Staten Island that are taking part in Simbang Gabi.
Since Spanish colonial days, when Masses were performed early in the morning to accommodate farmers who had to attend before leaving for the fields, the custom of Simbang Gabi has a long history in Filipino culture. The custom developed into a well-liked religious and cultural holiday throughout time.
As Filipino Catholics await the advent of Jesus, Simbang Gabi is a time for spiritual preparation during which they can reaffirm their faith and contemplate. An opportunity for introspection and a connection to the Advent journey is offered by the nine-day Mass series.
During the Advent season, the beloved Filipino Catholic custom known as Simbang Gabi, or “Night Mass,” is celebrated. On Staten It will begin at Sacred Heart Church on Sunday, December 15 at 7 p.m. Fr. Rhey Garcia, the pastor of Sacred Heart, is shown in the photo. (Photography by Mary Blaich.)Mary Blaich Photography is credited.
FILIPINO DELICACIES AFTER MASS!
Traditional Filipino treats like puto bumbong, a purple rice cake, bibingka, a rice cake, and suman, sticky rice wrapped in leaves, are frequently consumed after Masses. These goodies, which are frequently shared with loved ones at home or sold outside the church, provide the Simbang Gabi tradition a joyous (and delectable) communal component while also strengthening bonds within the community.
Many Filipinos think that by participating in Simbang Gabi for all nine days, their prayers and wishes for the upcoming year will be answered. Because of this conviction, the custom is not only spiritually significant but also a time for individual aspirations and hope.
The official commencement of Christmas celebrations is marked with the final Mass of Simbang Gabi on Christmas Eve, which is frequently followed by a joyous family dinner. As it welcomes the Christmas season, the custom ends with a feeling of excitement and expectation.
A beloved Catholic custom in the Philippines, Simbang Gabi, or “Night Mass,” is celebrated during the Advent season, just before Christmas. On Staten It will begin at Sacred Heart Church in West Brighton on Sunday, December 15 at 7 p.m. (Dr. Gracelyn Santos/Staten Island Advance)Advance of Staten Island/Dr. Gracelyn Santos
STATEN ISLAND CHURCHES PARTICIPATING
The list of Staten Island churches taking part in Simbang Gabi 2024 is as follows:
-
Sacred Heart Church
Date: Sunday, December 15 at 7 p.m.
-
St. Charles Church
Date: Monday, December 16 at 8 p.m.
-
St. Joseph Church
Date: Tuesday, December 17 at 7 p.m.
-
St. Roch s Church
Date: Wednesday, December 18 at 7 p.m.
-
Holy Rosary Church
Date: Thursday, December 19 at 7 p.m.
-
St. Rita Church
Date: Friday, December 20 at 7 p.m.
-
St. Thomas Church
Date: Saturday, December 21 at 7 p.m.
-
St. Sylvester Church
Date: Sunday, December 22 at 7 p.m.
-
Blessed Sacrament Church
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
Date: Monday, December 23 at 7 p.m.
+ There are no comments
Add yours